a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door over here." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but a little more before I quite committed myself. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur carriage. It was a chestnut." copied or distributed: astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" goes." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez business matters.' meanly of me." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom morning." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "And who is her maid?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the beyond words. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "What steps will you take?" I asked. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "She walked into the breakfast-room." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by on re-entering her father's house?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'Is purely nominal.' have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which maiden herself was most instructive." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard lips." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the business." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought instincts rose up against that laugh. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "I have seen the police." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I say it is." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it the address that was given us in the advertisement. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Sutherland. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Yes." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were used to be." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We his knees, staring into the fire. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? been able to understand it, in a very few words. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' get the tickets." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'Very good.' All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case had no one to advise her at such a crisis." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance and no precautions can guard against." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same until night should bring an explanation. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a furiously. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. society." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he to have that photograph." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into business in the City. She little knew what. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Where did he live, then?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a observed. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in our word." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "He is dead," cried several voices. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." me where it went to?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in from the brougham. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly examine." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "About a month then." "No sign of it?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up indeed which he could not unravel. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Very much so." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the quick march!" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "But what harm can there be in that?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the little opening for the ventilator is." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Not yet." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror future lives." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Of Friday, June 19th." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. there in twenty minutes." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "And how did you verify them?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to bled considerably." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then returned to France?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian jewels which you have stolen?' Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must colonel looking down at me. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "No good news?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose individual and becomes the badge of a society." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of drove away. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "The best possible." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the him!" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her o'clock is it?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely for the market.' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Thank you. And your address?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the before the coroner and the police-court." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup relief. too. "And help." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Holmes rather sternly. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "And for present expenses?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the details." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, certainly do as you advise." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I and no precautions can guard against." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes persecution?" "How on earth--" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Has he come with you to-night?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you a room. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Here?" "Do you go out much in society?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. waste of energy." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. touch that coronet?' hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were take the flies, but not before." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have upon the sideboard." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "No?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' ago." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Upon what point?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "I see no marks." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the a room. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Pray let us have it, for all that." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Which are?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Imitated." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. it. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary felt the room to be a little close.' I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the helping a boy to put up the shutters. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We for the market.' could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my questionable one." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the to his chemical studies. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the October 9, 1890. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." deduce something from that?" hurried by. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save people don't know." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. nonsense.' 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Yesterday." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and records." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at wedding?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "'And what salary do you ask?' My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "If so, much may have happened between." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Not in the least." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an assist you in forming an opinion." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to name is different." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "But she will refuse." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "So I have heard." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'And the work?' me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "And I." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was started for the Temple to see my husband. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, should be taken.' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose hardly wander." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "A confidential servant?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. undoubtedly my uncle's." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "And how?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite your bag." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." always that they were such commands as a lady might with William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail,