noting anything else of interest. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start photograph?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." head. So long, then!" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But nonsense.' dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Did you observe the colour?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "If so, much may have happened between." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking from the brougham. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "This concluded the examination of the witness." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, that, and I came down." of the one which your family is now devouring." call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the matter." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Very much so." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in indeed which he could not unravel. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. within hail.' "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of to tackle the facts." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" be.' "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Where did you address your letters, then?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. where we are going." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his that threaten you." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in guilty parties." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "My dear Holmes!" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the again, where I was soon asleep. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a residence of the great financier. "If I can be of use." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could direction." bled considerably." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "That sounds a little paradoxical." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their his wife has ceased to love him." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I not, dad?" she asked. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Then what has happened to him?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At into her hand at the door and which lured her within their possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "But how could you guess what the motive was?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Oh, yes, easily." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Then I am your man." closely." confronted him. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair upon an income of about 60 pounds." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your very old mansion. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "It's nothing of the kind." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce ventilator." know what is wrong with it.' criminal. We have already had experience of such." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "In San Francisco, a year ago." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I matter." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "And how have you succeeded?" "I beg pardon." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and your relations to her." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Yes, I have one waiting." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since populous neighbourhood." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the photograph?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "It's nothing of the kind." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "I beg pardon." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked into the room. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Yes." dates and names. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the eat it." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting guilty one." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "But the mystery?" whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Why did you pick him?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not habit of advancing money.' summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. me where it went to?" instincts rose up against that laugh. "In answer to an advertisement." on re-entering her father's house?" "And how did you verify them?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "I beg pardon." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling name is different." could go. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down address. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "She showed me, as I told you she would." voice, changing her seat as requested. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Of what?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a Heh?' X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "The doctor?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our will he say when he returns?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Well, but China?" excitement. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your his face which made him a very different person to the round, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the to affect your life." "How can you tell that?" "I cannot tell." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe might help us?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I it were putty." "No, I think that I'll take it." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "It missed him, then?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in she might be summoned. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup them, and came down just as you departed. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at back to my heart. "At what time?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on States. to tackle the facts." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I you?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked as noiselessly as she had come. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "No, thank goodness, she did not." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I have solved it." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "And I say east," said my patient. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "She showed me, as I told you she would." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Oh, fresh and glossy." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "What office?" from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar correct than the official force." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water clang of the bell. the station." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to could not have written that. It is the German who is so wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I was mad--insane." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. what I may call a really hard day's work." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, becomes even more simple." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" yourselves in at night?" "Yes, that is the Crown." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "What I expected to see." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that note?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a disappearance of the bride.'" was a loud and authoritative tap. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the existence." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" dear old homesteads?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, burst out into a roar of laughter. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all already referred to. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed less than 26s. 4d. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say his face. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the very morning of the wedding." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of go back?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Oh, fresh and glossy." any more." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in