"'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem you." "But he might be a bachelor." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "You forget that I know nothing about it." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other problems help me to do so." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Not particularly." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "What?" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "'There is a drive, then?' then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Yes, but only for you and me." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a prison!" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "'And the work?' As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying memory. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the Assizes." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "And that is--" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Yes, it was twisted." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Yes, I have one waiting." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes you give your casting vote to?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Here?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger trifles." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for sound at heart." for securing the situation." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. away into the river." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return one of them." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced asked. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "No, my brougham is waiting." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Awake, Watson?" he asked. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was know that the truth is known." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "And for present expenses?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." ready to-morrow?' that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, woven round him. "How do you know, then?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. ashen face. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." keep the flames under. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "But what is it you wish?" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I him and tried to hold him back. lost nothing by them." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "No bad?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I guessed as much." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Miss Holder?" through." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some to go into your room and bar your shutters?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' she has been waylaid. There has been no result." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Mrs. Toller serenely. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. electronic works and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Really! You surprise me." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it my special province." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation views." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "No sign of it?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that asked. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it disappearance of the bride.'" good for you to do.' "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Yes." any." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "You have but to name it." respectable self." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I have my revolver," said I. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them appeal." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Yes." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Where, then, is my wife?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand and no precautions can guard against." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "I don't say that. Perhaps." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Perhaps I have." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much was keenly on my guard against him. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "It must be recovered." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out singular points about the case. What did the police think of the signal between you and your father? access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "You have it, sir, just as it happened." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "You think that he is dead?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at morning." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Holmes' room. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man me, and I could not think that his explanation of the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his house for five minutes.' so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke ashen face. "Yes." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "What have you done?" asked Holmes. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away down. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by compunction about shooting them down." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried weary and pale-looking. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with really the only notable feature about the thing." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built stepfather?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of occurred." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "What of the rat, then?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did acted in my house last night?" the window, rose as we entered. matter." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which McCarthy." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Come in!" said he. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "'Not at all. I only doubt--' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two I leave." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." indeed which he could not unravel. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great presented more singular features than that which was associated discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to away to you." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both despair." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just is four-and-twenty." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small done what I asked you, Jones?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy upon an income of about 60 pounds." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless hour?' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can place no limit on the sum I may draw." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he 1.E.9. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. newspaper selections." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock think that any burglar could have done. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "I beg pardon." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Absolutely none." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Has he come with you to-night?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to miss it." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "'I have already given you my word.' To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "It goes to the housekeeper's room." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "And from a noble client?" "How often?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Really! You surprise me." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Yes, sir." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little his knees, staring into the fire. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "That is possible." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so chamber." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Ha! you find it so?" "Yes." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment events, Mr. Windibank!" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves most interesting one." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "My last client of the sort was a king." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your had picked up in the wood. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "But he might be a bachelor." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question."