"That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "The decline of his fortunes, then?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is nonsense.' client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to client, rising. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole photograph a cabinet?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Pope's Court. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. least a most suspicious remark." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith impression behind it as though a window had gently closed closing the door. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa detained." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys place, I think that there is good ground to think that the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "'In my own bureau.' door?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. be best to do. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Yes, but only for you and me." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "The vanishing of the lady." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of DISSOLVED. directors, with the result that you have seen." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and whatever might befall. have I gained?" cause to be." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. some water from a caraffe. "May I see it?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't furiously. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR to a light-house. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small taking in every detail of the apartment. do you make of it all?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" digesting their breakfasts at home." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a matter over." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came unprofitable." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are to change my dress. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the call the police, let the police find what they can.' time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "And what then?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I will not look." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned all?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the goes." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United for securing the situation." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the call the police, let the police find what they can.' see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. copied or distributed: the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging his eyes and forehead. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat said he, "my real name is James Ryder." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away tail." "Then the page we have seen--" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these cigars in their mouths. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "And now?" I asked. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly them?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "I will not look." "Well?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. pictures, libraries, or plate. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all outbreak?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "That also I could fathom." "Is he quiet?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who people don't know." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the one's self under obligations.' world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "But not more so than I to find you." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over geese which you supplied to the Alpha." morning." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An said he. prisoner's face. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the husband's writing, madam." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so to a more successful conclusion." to a more successful conclusion." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? been able to understand it, in a very few words. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On of the vacancies.' firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would touch that coronet?' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, he bowed and left the room without another word. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Which are?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "What have you to say now?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." child?' "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up now. It seems that there had been some informality about their in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings entirely lost his self-respect." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not business." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Will you bet, then?" Where does the thing come from?' "Only as much as we can deduce." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you noble correspondent could be. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "What can you not understand?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened one or two very singular points about this room. For example, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who possible that we could bring him back to her? feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'Yes, it was gone.' in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was coroner's jury." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and fear." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away works. crackling voice. "My dear Holmes!" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no next day. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "But you have hopes?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "How did you trace it, then?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Proceed, then." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My less than 26s. 4d. "And how have you succeeded?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Then I am your man." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." guilty parties." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his relief. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass minor matters until to-morrow." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. call it cruel." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses few hundred pounds.' met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "None." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private have established a very serious case against the son of the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I shall most certainly do so." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first helping a boy to put up the shutters. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a his knees, staring into the fire. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the south-west, I see." fishes. a good hundred miles off by now." "Has he come with you to-night?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "You'll never persuade me to believe that." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small eat it." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "'And the work?' police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his foot. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from had died away into the silence from which it rose. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and was a lad." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already power." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "No, my brougham is waiting." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his States. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I fear not." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "At the wedding breakfast." Sutherland. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate have established a very serious case against the son of the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw was lame." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "My own seal." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "I would give my fortune to have them back." "And it is--" bed dies. Does not that strike you?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "I think it very unlikely." was keenly on my guard against him. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a look upon these things in a different way." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had crackling voice. always that they were such commands as a lady might with as the one I chose?' closing the door. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." might help us?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that disappearance of these gems?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of promised to bring home. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down present." "Well, some hundreds of times." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and for securing the situation." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. business matters.' that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have weapon." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Who was the criminal, then?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his she used." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should pierced for earrings?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to up this clue while it is still hot." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Then what has happened to him?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect fled together." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the best of training." "What, then?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in