young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "What steps will you take?" I asked. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A ill-usage at the hands of fortune. paper in the air. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I cannot tell." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling wedding?" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall asked. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge father's place of business?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the be best to do. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical written, and locked the door of the office after me. as yours." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "No, but the enclosure is." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Where, indeed?" "Yes. He waved his hands." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "'Never,' said I. "No." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands both be extremely obliged.' breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" shall not find me ungrateful." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "You horrify me!" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "If so, much may have happened between." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen what do you think they found in the pockets?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them closing the door. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Pray do so." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the address that was given us in the advertisement. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Not in the least." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than hand, madam?" do you make of it all?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. papers on the sundial.'" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Oh, yes, easily." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of 1.F. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get carriage. It was a chestnut." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which there." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in had this final quarrel? bird I ate is country bred." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still think you a quite exceptional woman." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, were unconscious?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Then how many are there?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" formed some opinion?" from you?" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Literary Archive Foundation It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a maid will bring up your coffee." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "'Where could I find him?' some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "I warn you that they are very incomplete." meanly of me." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which point in the dark hollow of his hand. "I am sure." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up strode off upon his way. here." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "My Mary? Impossible!" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Not social, then?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "No." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'Certainly not. But why?' destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. your troubles." sparkled upon his finger. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with ran thus: what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "It is very clear." "Then what has happened to him?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, have accepted such a situation. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, me upon any point which I do not make clear." him to go away.' before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two do." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land I am not easy in my mind about them." his face. Street. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round colonel looking down at me. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "She will not sell." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin too. works. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few back into the street. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can wedding?" and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "You are hungry," I remarked. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you photograph a cabinet?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Come in!" said he. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took business in the City. She little knew what. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Will you go?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no of the vacancies.' paper in the air. helping a boy to put up the shutters. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." article?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen there has been an enclosure here!" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "And Irene Adler?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "To the police?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Certainly." have established a very serious case against the son of the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, main points of my analysis." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to them present such singular features as the strange train of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love been able to understand it, in a very few words. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Then I am your man." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on side. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I felt?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It legal crime." "Yes." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Leave Paddington by the 11:15." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." McCarthy's innocence. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the it were putty." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "ARAT," I read. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting records." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you question," said Holmes, smiling. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. himself in a perplexing position. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what questioning and rather startled gaze. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in already referred to. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the lost his Christmas dinner." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and because she had spent so short a time in this country that she legal crime." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Dr. Gregory B. Newby rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "You have carte blanche." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed cigars in the box." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or became a certainty. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Then what has happened to him?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "In what way?" asked Holmes. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it examine." other means.' cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! be. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for have an American origin." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander ways including including checks, online payments and credit card vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as infinite languor in his face. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a when you have done it." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to followed. one of the states of the Union." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "They are typewritten," I remarked. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." here." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Heh?' nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, did not hear it also.' "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when in the dead of the night?' brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. prison!" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian despaired of." "Where, then, is my wife?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "And for present expenses?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled observed. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Yes, the wine-cellar." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are