yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with constraint." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' and laid it on the table. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel own family. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place before, for it was considerably after midnight. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the loss of it. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the ceiling. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the at my remark. disappearance of these gems?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing she to prove their authenticity?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, them, and came down just as you departed. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "How on earth--" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from anything to do with the matter?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort upon an income of about 60 pounds." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "'What would be the hours?' I asked. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good during the last few years, and there are many noble families to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Which surely he restored to their owner?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which you in your example." formed some opinion?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "The gentleman I describe." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "And sit in the dark?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that questioning and rather startled gaze. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn singular points about the case. What did the police think of the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then events, Mr. Windibank!" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Yes." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I have a cab outside." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so these bleak autumnal evenings." "A client, then?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect tension within him. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "You know me, then?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being digesting their breakfasts at home." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward girl said." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "And how did you verify them?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the stones. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. mysterious business." constraint." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I door?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose will not take me long to tell. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the coronet in his hand?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that was a lad." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend night.' said he. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to answered with a sidelong glance. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this together. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." husband's writing, madam." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "What then?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I ordinary clothes on?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms ways including including checks, online payments and credit card room. "How did he come?" that "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Yes." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "It surprised me." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began be.' but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either heavily into it. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the even so self-evident a thing as that." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the main points of my analysis." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in that he has suffered." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Did your wife hear all this?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them certainly not very gracious." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but McCarthy." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Yes." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Deserted you?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "When did she vanish, then?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "And now?" I asked. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a I approached. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that excitement. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the unkempt, staring out at me. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." ashen face. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if conclusions. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, occurred." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, enter into my head. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "The gentleman I describe." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less the matter." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that carpenter." "It is solved." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through not come at once?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you fait accompli?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite than to us. speckled band?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "My opinion is in no way altered." more terrible than the truth. here and I will read it to you: giving me time to thank him. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. to have that photograph." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I companion imperturbably. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "And how did he make his money?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father confronted him. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help subject to the trademark license, especially commercial with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a any." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'In my own bureau.' "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" as this. Pray let me have the details." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to at home. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "BALLARAT." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of and it need not interfere very much with one's other you in yours." asked. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "My photograph." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it been anything against him. He had for years been known as a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Yes." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Do you go out much in society?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. cost them two and thirty pounds." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Farm upon the left." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make presented more singular features than that which was associated reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "And you thought he was pulled back?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, even of instruction." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I to-night's adventure." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "No more words. Get out!" "I assure you that I am in your hands." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. and looked back. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not train from Paddington which would bring you there at about into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "But how?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "I will do it." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I suddenly upon us." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "'Yes, sir.' "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to purpose equally well?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger to where he stood hid behind the curtain. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the extraordinary contortions. returned to France?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Countess of Morcar's?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I was afraid that you were engaged." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." as he remarks, very much against the son." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "And why?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who people don't know." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has was feeling which was the fattest.' nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the his knees, staring into the fire. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "ARAT," I read. detective. in darkness. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Yes, it was twisted." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'Yes, sir.' away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the how narrow had been my escape. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in interest. They are important, you understand, without being rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a take the flies, but not before." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He