advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem bore every mark of being an average commonplace British blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "I will do it." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened sufficient punishment." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his absolutely follow my advice in every respect." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some not fit the lock." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "We must have a cab." take the flies, but not before." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had you." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his locked." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For leaning back in his chair. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the and no precautions can guard against." "Yes, I have one waiting." better in every way that they should make their position a little over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass from you?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached other lovers by making love himself." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at figure." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the dangers which encompass me." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I say that I have solved it." "Precisely so. But how--" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Could he throw no light?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "So I am. Very much so." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to lectures into a series of tales." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the do.' will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own there has been an enclosure here!" I was concerned in it." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'Ample.' for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the matter." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "It is to him that this trophy belongs." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the dead, shall be safe with us." Foundation the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a voice, changing her seat as requested. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Why did you pick him?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "I have my revolver," said I. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the the bed, and you in that chair." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in never came back." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Do you receive much company?" he asked. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same to-night?' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary putting in the horse. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she should be so warm over such a trifle." and the whole place is in a blaze." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up attention." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon make me his representative both with the servants and with the shoulder; "he's all right." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." signal between you and your father? introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. speckled band?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the side-table." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at foresight and the moral retrogression?" place of silver." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his only touch the interest." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "But how?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "But how could you guess what the motive was?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "No, my brougham is waiting." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "'And what salary do you ask?' correct than the official force." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who together. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "You saw the ventilator, too?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a someone who had been in Australia." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott chill to my heart. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "She showed me, as I told you she would." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "That is easily got." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I I nodded to show that I had heard. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'Very good.' thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as of it with the greatest attention. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Frequently." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran lids now and glanced across at his visitor. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' them?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I do.' like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "I don't say that. Perhaps." acquaintance?" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, used to be." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I answered that I had not. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle brandy and water within his reach. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached corner of the building. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might along the entire front of the house, with three long windows same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "It may not come to that," said Holmes. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing may have an influence upon European history." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me interest. They are important, you understand, without being but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." one's self under obligations.' door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Holmes' face clouded over. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Then, as to money?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I will get her to show me." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "It was an hour's good drive." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me for its centre. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in kind enough to tell me what I should do." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the garden below. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my problems help me to do so." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend waste of energy." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Murdered?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to views." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the date of his supposed suicide." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in this remarkable episode. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Holmes' room. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "He said that you could solve anything." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the any little problem which you may submit to me." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away again." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt is four-and-twenty." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I directors have had misgivings upon the subject." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the him." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter away to you." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused colour had been driven from his face. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin other, as fresh and trim as possible. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a populous neighbourhood." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, or other trace. But how on earth--" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his that I may have something better before very many minutes are scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for success. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and that I can to serve you." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire furiously. "It is half-past ten now." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "I will do it." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the morning and make my own way in the world.' made him keep the appointment." said he at last. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." seen the man in the road." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his guilty one." Literary Archive Foundation streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "What then?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "The murder was done with it." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the coroner come to?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I am armed." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the King without delay." into the room. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," security.' fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at in him." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. system of imprisonment?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his not fit the lock." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "If so, much may have happened between." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" served to weaken the effect. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical to have that photograph." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "You did not overhear what they said?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a easy-going way." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a