for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Why did you pick him?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "My last client of the sort was a king." the devil!" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would new duties?' was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Where to?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler hand, madam?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed official police." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his tension within him. "His face fell immediately. man. I know him from the photograph." results." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "What steps will you take?" I asked. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "ARAT," I read. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the King without delay." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Bought." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning 11:15.' cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the bottom.' owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "I cannot imagine." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in know that the truth is known." washing it down with a long draught of water. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Two days later this same performance was gone through under I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her new duties?' goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed experiences." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I will, Miss Turner." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them thin, with a long, sharp nose?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out helping a boy to put up the shutters. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple miles off. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I made his money." at a side door. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project him!" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into in one or two places in England?' like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her keep the flames under. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and trifles." "That is it on the dressing-table." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "None." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "About a month then." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Tired-looking or fresh?" situation." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I was sure that I might rely on you." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Oh, the cause is excellent!" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "The knees of his trousers." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "But not more so than I to find you." eat it." here and I will read it to you: "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock memory. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" to tell." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and face and glided from the room. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "And what then?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "But she will refuse." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was despaired of." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "And the murderer?" take the flies, but not before." "To an end?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Leadenhall Street--and--" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would mystery may be cleared along those lines." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "This photograph!" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "What do you make of that, Watson?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Yes." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'Certainly,' I answered. "Dirty?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "But I have heard all that you have heard." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange returned to France?" forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional there when the Rucastles went away." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Because he was handy and would come cheap." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Really! You surprise me." until night should bring an explanation. brandy and water within his reach. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally was feeling which was the fattest.' "And leave your case unfinished?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "What do you mean?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "And Miss Sutherland?" rat could hardly pass through." the coronet in his hand?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my bears upon the case?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw there in twenty minutes." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. behind me. I. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "About a month then." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "If I can be of use." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my the one as in the other." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, where we are going." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, pictures, libraries, or plate. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" to-night?' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "But I am all in the dark." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "He is dead," cried several voices. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly it." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, questionable one." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in death." yourselves in at night?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "It is half-past ten now." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. were new raised from a basin. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to ran thus: with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the criminal. We have already had experience of such." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you has little to do with my story." touch that coronet?' "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I am following you closely," I answered. "And for present expenses?" its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which murdered man." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "It surprised me." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to most interesting one." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the your bag." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been What do you deduce from it?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the King without delay." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, newspaper selections." Chief Executive and Director Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "No bad?" anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Pray do so." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Have you her photograph?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "An accident, I presume?" depend upon my doing so.' "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Heh?' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her yourselves in at night?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. have I gained?" people don't know." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out orange pips. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to The King stared at him in amazement. followed. the tragedy. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can companion. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, father's place of business?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a present." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of little adventures." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in time." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Sholtos." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea himself in a perplexing position. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in washing it down with a long draught of water. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a present." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking works. See paragraph 1.E below. "What is it?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was look dissatisfied." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "I am all attention, madam." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would she slowly sank and died without having recovered her