sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is child?' and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him on in his house." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He of it with the greatest attention. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the the address that was given us in the advertisement. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, second." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is For additional contact information: "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." crackling voice. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man key of the affair now." "Perhaps I have." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, hopeless attempt at recovering them." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "By train from Waterloo." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. society." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." answer." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "And when will you call?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "No, distinctly professional." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it were new raised from a basin. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Doctor, of the paper and the date." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "No, I had a dozen." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by bedroom door." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this used to be." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Pray let us have it, for all that." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Why, what do you mean?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, shoulder; "he's all right." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "To the police?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that forbidden door. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he and put his glass in his pocket. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them note?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person joking. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be past. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." said I. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my your own bird, so if you wish--" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "I don't believe it." so far?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he call the police, let the police find what they can.' my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "That is easily got." "My dear Holmes!" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my with you alone." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without I nodded again. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my me where it went to?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'Where to?' in. dead, shall be safe with us." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me to tell." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "9th. McCauley cleared. present." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "And why?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is both be extremely obliged.' spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and goes." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored redistribution. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and my little problems." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" mystery!" woven round him. happened." take the flies, but not before." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank this truth that in these little records of our cases which you be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "'Not at all. I only doubt--' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; John Swain, of St. Augustine. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully my secret was safe in his possession. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands security.' ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the putting in the horse. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself written, and locked the door of the office after me. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return read over the extraordinary announcement. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'I shall certainly be there.' "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Then how many are there?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. arrested. You then--" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Then you may entirely rely on me." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and nights." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "What can it mean?" I gasped. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in giving me time to thank him. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually place no limit on the sum I may draw." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I was sure that I might rely on you." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Yes?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I behind me. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting papers on the sundial.'" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was out." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with our word." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with business came to an end." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent our word." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "And Miss Sutherland?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of him, that man would not have given me such complete information guilty parties." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "And what then?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "When did she vanish, then?" "I say it is." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the are windows in it, of course?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass them?" I nodded again. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Project Gutenberg-tm works. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the of his shoulders. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "But you were on a friendly footing?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Yes. He waved his hands." very old mansion. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. British peeress.'" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to room. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way when your master had gone out." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "They are typewritten," I remarked. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had have been better. It is all right." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "One horse?" interjected Holmes. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "He said too much." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. suspect him." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Serpentine Avenue. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Yes, sir." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Was your sister dressed?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some present strange and interesting features that it is no easy grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "But who is he?" "How did you deduce the select?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by upon the sideboard." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." it." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Thank you. Pray proceed." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'Yes, sir.' "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls light and attacked it." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to brain must have something in it." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the matter." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "And how did you find out?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw any little problem which you may submit to me." asked with his eyes open. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the very letters. But what is this written above them?' urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter