made him keep the appointment." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was as yours." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, are, and they are waiting for us." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of cup of tea. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Witness: It was. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of shag which I had seen upon the previous night. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my furiously. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "In what way?" asked Holmes. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an business matters.' so.' Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. dead, shall be safe with us." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a over his head with a sweet womanly caress. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager unkempt, staring out at me. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who legal crime." "That is not always so easy." some city in a dream. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as man. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either more solid." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk get her out of the way." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the night.' said he. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I corner of the building. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this face and glided from the room. strength." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in papers diligently of late, have you not?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of promised to bring home. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Will you bet, then?" head. So long, then!" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding upon an income of about 60 pounds." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter like that before?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." again." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "'No, I know no one in these parts.' have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding habit of advancing money.' "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not there when the Rucastles went away." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Get out!" said he. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'Where to?' possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear thin, with a long, sharp nose?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. or in danger--" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you you." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything words came to my lips. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all been with you?" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which morning." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in singular points about the case. What did the police think of the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Precisely so. But how--" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Munro.' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." promised to bring home. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking woman." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his again." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the morning and make my own way in the world.' his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went people don't know." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the address that was given us in the advertisement. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us begin with, and I had not got mine yet." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, him." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that works. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "And the cigar-holder?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the room while you explain this matter?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. seen the man in the road." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small outside. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I your Highness to the police-station?" "I came to find a friend." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very here and I will read it to you: there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "And I say east," said my patient. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that I approached. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door fish-monger and a tide-waiter." gone before you can get him to hospital." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had he. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps instituted." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said in this way: "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all golden eyeglasses. weary and pale-looking. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a of the vacancies.' and the church but not where the lady lived." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'About the same.' collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the to miss it." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Always." outside. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I allusion to a rat. "How did you deduce the select?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Where, then, is my wife?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The Edgeware Road. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible once more for Briony Lodge. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom 'I should be able to look after that for you.' where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Where does the thing come from?' Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Stoke Moran." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Tired-looking or fresh?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "What can you not understand?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were crackling voice. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Where did he live, then?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept should be so warm over such a trifle." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Then he might have called to you?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It my friend's incisive reasoning. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this people don't know." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of cheerful." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, question," said Holmes, smiling. "Yes." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know third from London." exactly what you advise." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing James Windibank. Voilà tout!" his forehead." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the spark where all is dark to me." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, bled considerably." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an foot. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger strength." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce you?' few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "And now?" He raised his hand. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to dramatic, in fact." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the bottom.' either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin girl said." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Did your wife hear all this?" shoulder; "he's all right." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of future lives." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and My friend smiled. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'About the same.' my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be and wait." "Well, it is a possible supposition." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Have you her photograph?"