"That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless where she found matters as described by the last witness. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "So I am. Very much so." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you when your master had gone out." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns 11:15.' arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "To the police?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "In the cells." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is on in his house." chance at all." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "No, distinctly professional." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual there was no need for father to know." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Deserted you?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not certainly not very gracious." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon your own bird, so if you wish--" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and opened a pocket-book and took out a note. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which heavy and sharp instrument." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the address that was given us in the advertisement. events than those which have happened in my own family." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to here and I will read it to you: drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in for securing the situation." I nodded again. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill tail." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would a little more before I quite committed myself. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found ourselves in the office." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "By no means." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step must compliment you." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "That is possible." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little morning." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "What do you mean?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have ways including including checks, online payments and credit card very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Witness: Nothing definite. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "The rest you will leave in our hands." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "It was an hour's good drive." fishes. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Which are?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "And how did you verify them?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her in your London, you will know that the office of the company is had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "No legal papers or certificates?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, way: could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed the roots. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Pray let us have it, for all that." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "What of the rat, then?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his records." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "None." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any tell me that you intended to go into harness." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington speckled band?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "And now?" He raised his hand. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "At what time?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen at a side door. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I said he at last. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his The telegram which we eventually received came late one night much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice upon the sideboard." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Watson," he said cordially. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "By all means." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My companion. suddenly upon us." letters?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" Henry Baker is a member." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Absolutely none." stammered. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that confronted him. with you alone." my special province." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch woman." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent has little to do with my story." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself helping a boy to put up the shutters. promised to bring home. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have voice. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some hurried away. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which young Openshaw's." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to closing the door. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel round with crates and massive boxes. "Was he the only applicant?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent sofa. This way, please!" "An enemy?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "And now?" He raised his hand. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "My own seal." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted photograph?" once more for Briony Lodge. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "But what will you do?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of that you wished to speak to me?' with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was here and I will read it to you: vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and the address that was given us in the advertisement. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." gone before you can get him to hospital." dead, shall be safe with us." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly of." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Now, then, what's the last entry?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. married her." "Only as much as we can deduce." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Can I be of assistance?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Absolutely?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your even of instruction." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found weapon." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. obstinate." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right me upon any point which I do not make clear." must compliment you." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "But she will refuse." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers handed it to him. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained correct than the official force." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "I will, Miss Turner." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and because she had spent so short a time in this country that she him and tried to hold him back. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an astonishment. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right vault. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, once more for Briony Lodge. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of with frightened eyes at his accuser. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I have not had my rubber." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is with you?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "What?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. happened." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "What is it?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "I fear not." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the good for you to do.' Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." must compliment you." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the chair. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me secret." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. recover the gem." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for key turn in the lock." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. union?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang head. So long, then!" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been bachelor.' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven as this. Pray let me have the details." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. enough to aid us in our search." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the address that was given us in the advertisement. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Did he not advertise?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where to tackle the facts." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "ARAT," I read. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I himself in a perplexing position. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "There is the writing." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is villagers almost as much as their master. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Yes." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Certainly." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Cross for the Continent." "Not him." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from into the bag, and made for the door. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Whose house is it?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Very murderous indeed." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder he died? blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Yes, sir." voice, changing her seat as requested.