spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'Certainly,' I answered. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Where, indeed?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to you." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "That sounds a little paradoxical." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "That is not always so easy." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Thank you. And your address?" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over relief. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and stalked out of the room. everything which you would wish to know." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to silent! Oh, he will be silent!' daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking said he at last. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Certainly." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "And how did you verify them?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," friend's singular character. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked help us in this matter." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this new duties?' figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed as this. Pray let me have the details." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the this man was intellectual?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort been anything against him. He had for years been known as a you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. the side-table." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his plantation.' "My photograph." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just place no limit on the sum I may draw." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "No, distinctly professional." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. indeed which he could not unravel. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Awake, Watson?" he asked. that there was nothing in it, after all." I nodded to show that I had heard. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Thank you. And your address?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from his knees, staring into the fire. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Perhaps we may make them less so." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling 1.E.9. "And how?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the points to suicide?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "This photograph!" her also." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my not use it unless it is absolutely needed." his forehead." "Did he not advertise?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" II. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and assist you in forming an opinion." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Here?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." will be renamed. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged emerged. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was directors, with the result that you have seen." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear within hail.' suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest better grown goose." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "My private note-paper." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "But what harm can there be in that?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the arrested. You then--" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or retorted upon me, and I on you." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Yes." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." empty. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah forecastle of an emigrant ship. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, your co-operation." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I six. Come in!" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "A call for help, you thought?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Miss Holder?" "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, easy-going way." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Munro.' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Of what day?" "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "I beg pardon." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom tied." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of of them has the shutters up.' glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several tassel actually lying upon the pillow. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "No more words. Get out!" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is said he. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" existence." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Doctor, of the paper and the date." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the light and attacked it." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." chill to my heart. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would washing it down with a long draught of water. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in his huge brown hands. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what my former friend and companion. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not eat it." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by nothing of it?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Well, it is a possible supposition." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "It looks newer than the other things?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." said he. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. his face which made him a very different person to the round, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "It goes to the housekeeper's room." you." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of minor matters until to-morrow." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But together. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my him. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "No." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and tell me that you intended to go into harness." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King during that time.' mystery may be cleared along those lines." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become ready to-morrow?' "Could he throw no light?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "None. Neville wrote those words." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the brandy and water within his reach. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. brain must have something in it." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed copied or distributed: reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and over with notes and figures. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found prepare for the new role I have to play." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very to go into your room and bar your shutters?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "It is possible." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still kind enough to tell me what I should do." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would pierced for earrings?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Never to return." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, conclusions. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case papers diligently of late, have you not?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "At half-wages, in fact." away to you." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "What is it?" my friend's incisive reasoning. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and to-morrow." "No good news?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a views." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of spark where all is dark to me." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "And you thought he was pulled back?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Holmes' room. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco call the police, let the police find what they can.' evidence," I remarked. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. strength in the others." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, him, that man would not have given me such complete information figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in villagers almost as much as their master. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "About a month then." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the said Mr. Holder. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great characteristics, but those are the more obvious." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the joking. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my case-book, which he consulted. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "You were travelling in the States?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile and inquire as to the address." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "A client, then?" "'In my own bureau.' "My own seal." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until hands. in. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'What would be the hours?' I asked. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'Never,' said I. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "So it appears." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in examination of the premises, but without finding anything which charge against him will break down." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City never came back." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the inquest, and which are worth considering." mysterious end." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Was your sister dressed?" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "But how could you guess what the motive was?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the This is what he says: wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a