upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing events than those which have happened in my own family." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not to some other building. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and leave you to your papers for a little." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I invisible to me," I remarked. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they down in his armchair and closing his eyes. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Very well, sir. And this stone?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell bonnet, and went out." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year and prosperity to your house. Good-night." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman begin with, and I had not got mine yet." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say public press." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Does that suggest anything?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an is acting for the best. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his cane at the bell-pull. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. place no limit on the sum I may draw." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has awkward doing business with an alias." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated and the whole place is in a blaze." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the very letters. But what is this written above them?' must be when I saw the door open.' "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, to Leatherhead. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the one as in the other." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Precisely." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to which was all perfectly true. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for details." key turn in the lock." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, dear old homesteads?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, round with crates and massive boxes. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would ordinary clothes on?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but which should have the effect of calling the attention of the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Yes, certainly." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" and inquire as to the address." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Gutenberg-tm License. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "'Which dealer's?' "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "To an English lawyer named Norton." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the tell him that I know him to be innocent." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I the warnings." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility light and attacked it." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the it." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming the ceiling. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "It is no ordinary one." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping which our visitor detailed to us. such attractions and accomplishments?' determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I taking in every detail of the apartment. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." call for it in person on Monday morning.' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Why serious?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your details should find their way into the papers. Inspector and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by and inquire as to the address." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "No, but the enclosure is." Countess of Morcar's?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Where to?" there in twenty minutes." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "It was a confession," I ejaculated. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt seven miles from Eyford Station.' steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Eyford." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in triumphant cloud from his cigarette. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have chance at all." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Yes, that is the Crown." cost them two and thirty pounds." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some sound at heart." in his hands." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself key turn in the lock." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Have you good authority for what you say?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the south-west, I see." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the empty. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips his face. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard it? Did I buy the geese off you?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "No bad?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "And help." "The knees of his trousers." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Yes." had died away into the silence from which it rose. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to Holmes' thin, eager face. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, relief. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the little adventures." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Where does the thing come from?' is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set not within a twentieth part of the market price." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I national property. I was determined that the law should have its affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my is a common subject for conversation. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. strength." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between yourselves in at night?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these your co-operation." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ empty. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the so.' "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with miles off. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "I do." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Quite so." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord there when the Rucastles went away." unclasping of his long thin hands. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across strong reason behind." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm his wife has ceased to love him." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. License. You must require such a user to return or "You will not go there first?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call the salesman. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Yes. He waved his hands." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "I never have." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of tied." "Yes." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong detective. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Only as much as we can deduce." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." constraint." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been read it out to me." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Can I be of assistance?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Can I be of assistance?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "No bad?" "But who is he?" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always rat could hardly pass through." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she astonishment. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Indeed! Whose, then?" main points of my analysis." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," to Leatherhead. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom from you?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Where does the thing come from?' main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Nothing?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." later, upon the night of May 2nd." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful test if we have an answer to our advertisement." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Will you go?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a orange pips. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" all?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Proceed, then." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring I was concerned in it." "'Yes, it was gone.' this Miss Turner." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I have my revolver," said I. were wasted." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then with the outside air!" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Yes, certainly." the room while you explain this matter?" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his pound a week." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it come either from the window or the door. My attention was the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it might have a private word with us. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "To the police?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Countess of Morcar's?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Yes, certainly." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain constraint." upon the white wrist. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, forehead. "Yes." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry."