"It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "You horrify me." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was over his head with a sweet womanly caress. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was society." "No, I think that I'll take it." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man golden eyeglasses. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the overpowering excitement and concern. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his bed dies. Does not that strike you?" behind me. really the only notable feature about the thing." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Only as much as we can deduce." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was unkempt, staring out at me. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Frequently." problems help me to do so." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has criminal. We have already had experience of such." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "And now?" He raised his hand. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "No." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the see a sister of mine apply for." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, maiden herself was most instructive." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies light and attacked it." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Was he the only applicant?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of companion. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third where we are going." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." of." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems there!' "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "You have a clue?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding with you?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan purpose of examination. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who have an American origin." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it opened the door, and slipped through. The King stared at him in amazement. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "The vanishing of the lady." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. for and were ordered to this address. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "How often?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, corner of the building. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Chief Executive and Director "How can you tell that?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her jewels which you have stolen?' true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely article?" nonsense.' all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had always that they were such commands as a lady might with was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As front of me. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "I have a cab outside." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand key turn in the lock." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We individual and becomes the badge of a society." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "What?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "It certainly sounds feasible." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "What is it?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the coronet in his hands?" same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week is worth.' Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Frequently." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, your room." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' official police." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "You were travelling in the States?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some to you." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Frequently." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "The rest you will leave in our hands." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I papers." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I power." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the examine." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and said he. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "What have you to say now?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "My dear Holmes!" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the look dissatisfied." Foundation skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Was your sister dressed?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Of what day?" me have 200 pounds?' from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his made his money." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend best detective that ever lived. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "You forget that I know nothing about it." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story His name is Francis Prosper." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you crackling voice. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Where did you address your letters, then?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." not personally threatened." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Miss Holder?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and his huge brown hands. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I business matters.' returned to France?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might that I can to serve you." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I investigation." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the stones. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' to a more successful conclusion." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, without a word or a look. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it keep the flames under. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the them, and came down just as you departed. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what been able to understand it, in a very few words. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an how narrow had been my escape. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone and the church but not where the lady lived." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "You horrify me!" Farm upon the left." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Yes." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I cannot imagine." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he there when the Rucastles went away." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, from you?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Not yet." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, in a friendly supper." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Were they all fastened this morning?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the date of his supposed suicide." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came there was no need for father to know." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Then he might have called to you?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a chance." charge against him will break down." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are who was a member of your goose club." situation." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a have an American origin." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' foresight and the moral retrogression?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a been." Edgeware Road. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "And what then?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Very much so." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, points to suicide?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. opportunities to fix the problem. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank silent! Oh, he will be silent!' subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done his eyes and forehead. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "She walked into the breakfast-room." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "What office?" considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "But what harm can there be in that?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this foot. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, opportunities to fix the problem. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the populous neighbourhood." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "He is still with you, I presume?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." delirious. "By all means." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your man. I know him from the photograph." "In answer to an advertisement." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us tapping his fingers upon the table. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "It is very clear." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, his wife has ceased to love him." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. exactly what you advise." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if you understand?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Pope's Court. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. appeared upon the scene." look upon these things in a different way." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "None." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Where does the thing come from?' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was gives a meaning to it." from you?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Ah!" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the ordinary clothes on?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom fashion which was peculiar to him. "But she could not love him." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss for the market.' I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who