to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A was feeling which was the fattest.' then?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' bonnet, and went out." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you acted in my house last night?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of hurried by. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with only touch the interest." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the child." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had once more for Briony Lodge. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes narrative." "Stolen." is a common subject for conversation. the running down." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Yes, all." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out a good hundred miles off by now." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our to-night's adventure." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly companion quietly. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "I say that I have solved it." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "My stepfather's business papers." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" rose-bushes. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. intrusion of other matters." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would yards of it?' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be shadow pass over his face as I spoke. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I asked. drove away. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some think you a quite exceptional woman." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. direction." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Then he might have called to you?" "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. towards the blaze. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Yes." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "None." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor and inquire as to the address." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Eyford." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous had picked up in the wood. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. presented more singular features than that which was associated until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United papers must be those that are destroyed.' "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong which are rolled in Rotterdam." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Yesterday." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a few hundred pounds.' burst out into a roar of laughter. or in danger--" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall at a side door. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'Most admirably.' "And it is--" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "I see no marks." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while case before our client came into the room." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other about here speaks of his kindness to him." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is ran thus: was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'There is a drive, then?' "Which are?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with emerged. recover the gem." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' wall." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his I have it here in my museum." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "'What, the red-headed man?' one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in situation." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to recover the gem." "Where, indeed?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming both be extremely obliged.' I shall continue with my miserable story. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "At half-wages, in fact." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "My dear Holmes!" is," said he presently: following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two lectures into a series of tales." the nursery. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. fire. You quite follow me?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and October 9, 1890. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that outside." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. yards of it?' Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "The landlord of the Alpha." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the business in the City. She little knew what. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I occupations.' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I weighed down with some great anxiety. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time without a word or a look. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Yes." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "But you can know nothing of this?" people don't know." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was opportunities to fix the problem. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Your sister is dead, then?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "And I to find an enemy." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, you understand?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the guilty one." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really could gather together that I was able to avert another public with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own morning." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the salesman. "How did you trace it, then?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Mrs. Toller serenely. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been to surprise her." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "In what way?" asked Holmes. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one delighted to hear it," he said. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the John Swain, of St. Augustine. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your compunction about shooting them down." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his tail." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste 11:15.' of Mr. Rucastle's." your room." the date of his supposed suicide." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Do you know him?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "No." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel fatally injured? the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Perhaps we may make them less so." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the seem to you to be relevant or not." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from room?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "In heaven's name, what for?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too article?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in open." three of the beryls in it, was missing. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was points in connection with it which never have been, and probably brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, I think that I could be of assistance to you." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the in the hope of finding them." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present in the hope of finding them." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when will be renamed. like gravel from a pit.' once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always coat-tails." six. Come in!" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Cross for the Continent." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there my secret was safe in his possession. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" through." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned have had none more fantastic than this." husband's writing, madam." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Not him." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "That you are never beaten." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "But not more so than I to find you." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it pierced for earrings?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have thin legs towards the fire. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out over his head with a sweet womanly caress. placed his cuttings. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am asked. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should presented which may be striking and bizarre without being him. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into sake, don't!" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was October 9, 1890. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "When did she vanish, then?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Where, indeed?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few true." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out him nearly every evening." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers DISSOLVED. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Nothing." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." a room. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, wedding?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the other means.' "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. purpose equally well?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to noise which awoke you from your sleep?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of second." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "And it is--" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "An enemy?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's good for you to do.' He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "He said that you could solve anything." "How on earth--" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "What office?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Then he might have called to you?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" gives a meaning to it." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir bill, which interests me deeply." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Stolen, then."