in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will cost them two and thirty pounds." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the furiously. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an him!" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Holmes." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee tightly behind him. this as likely?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but other means.' "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the is acting for the best. "I beg pardon." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Munro.' Holmes rather sternly. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed there." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Very. But will he see it?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great garden below. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager room?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was time." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "I was sure that I might rely on you." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland must be when I saw the door open.' here and I will read it to you: Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Not in a good cause." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in national property. I was determined that the law should have its Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days populous neighbourhood." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty lamp. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United believe that I should never have any practice at all. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name unprecedented a position." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view ready to-morrow?' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and arrested. You then--" something of him before." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up to me. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "'Yes.' can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in I shall continue with my miserable story. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "What, then, did Peterson do?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged lost nothing by them." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought experiences." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away McCarthy." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'Entirely.' railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the grasp, he hurried from the room. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Countess of Morcar's?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock persecution?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope it." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "And help." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Holmes rather sternly. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, to me. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his careless servant girl?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears if she died from some sudden fright." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front said he, "my real name is James Ryder." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, could go. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, kindly on the shoulder. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent minor matters until to-morrow." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of is a common subject for conversation. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "'No, I know no one in these parts.' weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what figure." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or he. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a tell them apart.' which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, signal between you and your father? stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent some place of shelter and let the county police know what has to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up call it cruel." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his there in twenty minutes." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open characteristics, but those are the more obvious." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of could not have written that. It is the German who is so "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "But I am all in the dark." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "The doctor?" points to suicide?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, tied." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR better in every way that they should make their position a little as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. to have that photograph." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. this unhappy family?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, bare slabs of marble. wanted for ourselves." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Game for a morning drive?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Your presence might be invaluable." derbies." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she possible that we could bring him back to her? garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "It is solved." "'What do you call purely nominal?' every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily with the outside air!" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his whole matter to your consideration." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we green of the new foliage. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "My stepfather's business papers." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." second." "What is it?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, said he. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "No, my brougham is waiting." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the enter into my head. miles off. hard-headed British jury." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the be there in time for your coming." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a to affect your life." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate McCarthy." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing go--none." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I instincts rose up against that laugh. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "That sounds a little paradoxical." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Then I do not see the point." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you a good hundred miles off by now." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. with you?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." directly by questioning you." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to jewels which you have stolen?' to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "But your client--" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Was there a secret marriage?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "I was mad--insane." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be lectures into a series of tales." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some outside." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and him nearly every evening." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate salesman. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "What have you to say now?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the your co-operation." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'And what salary do you ask?' "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural other means.' acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the definite end. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, wedding?" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "And when will you call?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, about. tell me that you intended to go into harness." Holmes' face clouded over. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "How did you deduce the select?" "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "But how could you guess what the motive was?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "No, I think that I'll take it." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little go from here to the Strand." one of the states of the Union." "Thank you. And your address?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "The Coroner: What do you mean? The police have openly confessed that they can at present make credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you bears upon the case?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." bedroom door." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'Very good.' "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "But you have hopes?" becomes even more simple." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had I held the little printed slip to the light. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put legal crime." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he to have been novel and of interest." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might