be best to do. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar hard-headed British jury." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me ventilator." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any there were one or two details which were new to me. But the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first breakfast?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and carriage. It was a chestnut." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But to affect your life." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, drawing your inferences." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must call for it in person on Monday morning.' perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "What office?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey meant it for the best. "Witness: It was. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Yes." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached new duties?' unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." to-morrow." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "To an end?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the with you alone." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here conclusions. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my least a most suspicious remark." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of empty. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took an introduction to him?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "You will not go there first?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "We must have a cab." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good strode off upon his way. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize question," said Holmes, smiling. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am them?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip not within a twentieth part of the market price." go back?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend answer." "To the police?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "In what way?" asked Holmes. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were grasp, he hurried from the room. "The King of Scandinavia." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes During two years I have had three consultations and one small handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see there has been an enclosure here!" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's was the fact that his father should, according to his account, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward never will be, entirely cleared up. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I ago." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the so-precious time, but come!' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I photograph?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "What of the rat, then?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just already been minutely examined." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country I have it here in my museum." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say observed. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw bare slabs of marble. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Pray do so." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried really the only notable feature about the thing." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." developed." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell at home. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There your equipment. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot fait accompli?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I have a cab outside." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "'And what salary do you ask?' skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it made him keep the appointment." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Mary, has deserted me." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. fled together." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, the window, rose as we entered. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during distinguish the words: "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Absolutely?" "That you are never beaten." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "No legal papers or certificates?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and system of imprisonment?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Where to?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "'How far from the body?' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several asked. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then and your relations to her." "Very. But will he see it?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any It was close upon four before the door opened, and a real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You The summons was a brief and urgent one. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "'What then?' I asked. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Dirty?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman situation." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue within hail.' certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the constraint." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "How many? I don't know." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution that the gas is not laid on in his house?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Then I am your man." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "At the wedding breakfast." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to into the room. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Holmes. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Always." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a where she found matters as described by the last witness. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Where, then, is my wife?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "'And what are they worth?' I asked. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, outsides of the windows. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy to arrive at through this?" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I done what I asked you, Jones?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where my former friend and companion. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was man. I know him from the photograph." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true of Fenchurch Street." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. tied." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "And your father? Did you tell him?" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, intrusion of other matters." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass his cane at the bell-pull. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "That you are never beaten." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet heavy and sharp instrument." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the bottom.' to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well orange pips. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another me have 200 pounds?' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or to talk it over. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I should wish to." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client you in yours." into the bag, and made for the door. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing Pope's Court. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever drove away. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent locked. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "'Quite sure, dad.' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "It was." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" shall use the carriage to-night." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the gives a meaning to it." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Then I shall certainly come." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark