yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his both be extremely obliged.' Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case fashion which was peculiar to him. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "It's nothing of the kind." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that furiously. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to it." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some figure." "None." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "'A dozen yards or so.' his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Yes. He waved his hands." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my This is what he says: she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend upon a handsome competence. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin himself. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "And what did you learn from him?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his see me here to avoid scandal." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. dates and names. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not McCarthy's innocence. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "'Then let me do so?' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Very truly yours, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this late." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Edgeware Road. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right have not had my rubber." placed his cuttings. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you than was visible to me." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" highroad, where all traces were lost. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the entirely lost his self-respect." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the tragedy. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and few hundred pounds.' "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "But she will refuse." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "I assure you that I am in your hands." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like new acquaintance to Baker Street. and that he would see to anything that turned up. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Has he come with you to-night?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the Red-headed League." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two father's place of business?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips detective. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come trifles." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether cheerful." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. him." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes be. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. front of me. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "And you can do nothing until then?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate know all about it," he snarled. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our congenial hunt. "What do you make of that, Watson?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which used to be." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the interests were the same as his." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had are, and they are waiting for us." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy himself to tell his story. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "You have the photograph?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Very. But will he see it?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in been." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House the child." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice and have this put in the evening papers." will not take me long to tell. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of ready to-morrow?' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Why, what do you mean?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually clang of the bell. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I morning." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that me. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the armchair which I pushed forward for him. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my fluttered off among the others. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "You'll never persuade me to believe that." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of to-night's adventure." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for up this clue while it is still hot." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Well?" asked. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "None. Neville wrote those words." Count Von Kramm." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and likely to be some crony of the landlady's." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, go--none." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. manager. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake our word." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Young McCarthy must be got off, however." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' introspective fashion. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Do you know him?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. despaired of." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than you for a few hours?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and that there was nothing in it, after all." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is fatally injured? Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord morning." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the inquest, and which are worth considering." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, not personally threatened." minor matters until to-morrow." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "'Certainly not. But why?' those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are since then to throw any light upon what became of him." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her page at http://pglaf.org home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid you want, then?' the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more of campaign. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Murdered?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "I assure you that I am in your hands." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in plantation.' give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his you." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on guilty parties." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. you in your example." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to had picked up in the wood. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "It is very kind of you." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." yet." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right companion. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a humiliation." the roots. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental him to be an active member of the medical profession." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something of the efforts of the United States government and of the better pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these drawing your inferences." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, that you saw all that I did." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive observed. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. appeal." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." photograph a cabinet?" as he remarks, very much against the son." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have figure." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "You heard nothing yourself last night?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "But your client--" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "But of what society?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other ashen face. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "You were travelling in the States?" business matters.' had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring is worth.' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he fire. You quite follow me?" "'Where to?' they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long it." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine redistribution. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and envelope. kindly on the shoulder. the coroner come to?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from I nodded again. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and tension within him. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "And from a noble client?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. felt the room to be a little close.' straighten it?" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Certainly." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a