face and glided from the room. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" business at Coburg Square is serious." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "No more words. Get out!" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle awkward doing business with an alias." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Then you may entirely rely on me." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "'You cannot say what it was?' about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "'In my own bureau.' characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Holmes." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I know where it is." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the meant." maiden herself was most instructive." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as forecastle of an emigrant ship. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely some terrible trap for her." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who chair. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" stalked out of the room. purpose of examination. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a is worth.' for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria on re-entering her father's house?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" way in everything. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond served to weaken the effect. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a call you and give you the chance." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Nearly eleven." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." present." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "It is solved." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. delighted to hear it," he said. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Then you may entirely rely on me." tied." "And your mother is alive?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "But I have heard all that you have heard." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" suddenly upon us." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the envelope. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I cannot imagine." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'Is 4 pounds a week.' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "No, thank goodness, she did not." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank our word." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. was already answered. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the disturbance in my wife." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' visitors." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin power." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the general public were present, then?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Quite so. She has her freedom." some terrible trap for her." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some were unconscious?" with some details as to your case." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole stalked out of the room. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Never to return." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out is a common subject for conversation. in darkness. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, meant it for the best. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little been deceived." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Why serious?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "You know me, then?" business?" retorted upon me, and I on you." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "I guessed as much." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase a suggestive one." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden sneer upon his pale face. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the were unconscious?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." from you?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the your equipment. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" think that any burglar could have done. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "But I am all in the dark." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. feature." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all sofa. This way, please!" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother are, I think, all that we need." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes character. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm upon an income of about 60 pounds." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "But what will you do?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into legal crime." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "It must be recovered." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual so far?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project away in different directions, and I went off to make my own introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "At the wedding breakfast." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere fashion which was peculiar to him. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "We were both in the photograph." "It is half-past ten now." "Who by?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as situation." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she father's young wife. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the foot. have accepted such a situation. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "I am to be neutral?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing are, and they are waiting for us." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "It is no ordinary one." "But how did you gain them?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain behind me. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some to you." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's could not account in any way for the presence of the missing which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old head. So long, then!" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he generous with you in money matters.' Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." meant it for the best. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, started for the Temple to see my husband. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "And is that all?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "How can you tell that?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Farm upon the left." "The King of Scandinavia." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Not particularly." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, fasten all the windows?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "And from a noble client?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under matter." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." not come at once?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, 'please.'" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Yes, all." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the the date of his supposed suicide." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "'What do you call purely nominal?' "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your that?' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them did not hear it also.' "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the touch that coronet?' bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "What!" he roared. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "You have but to name it." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I interest. They are important, you understand, without being importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of to a more successful conclusion." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "But of what society?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again burst out into a roar of laughter. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "I think that it is very probable." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "So I have heard." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes recall any case within my experience which looked at the first and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon and no precautions can guard against." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "You will not go there first?" "Yes, it was twisted." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My own family. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Where, then, is my wife?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." will he say when he returns?" really the only notable feature about the thing." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey silent! Oh, he will be silent!' 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned take the flies, but not before." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." is," said he presently: long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but once more. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower you." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "How did that help you?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Why? What do you mean?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I bachelor.' the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" views." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "'Stolen!' he cried. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and spark where all is dark to me." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "'Certainly not.' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "But how will you look?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy know that the truth is known." past. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when