about. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'Stolen!' he cried. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the with you alone." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the roused himself from his reverie. that "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "I have my revolver," said I. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "That also I could fathom." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the morning and make my own way in the world.' difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been touch that coronet?' seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been fattened it expressly for you.' time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, your own bird, so if you wish--" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I was sure that I might rely on you." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "One of the highest in England." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "No." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "But how could you guess what the motive was?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Indeed! Whose, then?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "What office?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped one of them." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that what do you think they found in the pockets?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. followed. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. colonel looking down at me. lips." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which you in your example." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Well?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. morning." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were child?' over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the locked. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "To an English lawyer named Norton." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this photograph?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "That is unusual in a young girl." make me his representative both with the servants and with the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Yes, from Horsham." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him depend upon my doing so.' matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He closely." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "You horrify me." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I am still in the dark." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Then, how do you know?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, sake, don't!" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such people don't know." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all electronic works simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with my little problems." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. I leave." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" time." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have see me here to avoid scandal." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "I answered that I had not. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are papers on the sundial.'" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." too. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "I would pay ten." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or forecastle of an emigrant ship. newspaper selections." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "That is unusual in a young girl." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his several quiet little villages up there." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I cannot as yet see any connection." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "May I see it?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was behind me. went to the Alpha were town bred." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you little adventures." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with experiences." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "'Stolen!' he cried. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You criminal. We have already had experience of such." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Get out!" said he. in darkness. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of photograph?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am hair?' "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this written, and locked the door of the office after me. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship burst out into a roar of laughter. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar girl said." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have six. Come in!" legal crime." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will letters?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his footfalls from the street. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and here and I will read it to you: "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. drove away. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Pray do so." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Then I shall certainly come." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "I am still in the dark." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is call the police, let the police find what they can.' anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Sutherland. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Pool. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid sparkled upon his finger. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Munro.' "No, my brougham is waiting." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double like gravel from a pit.' indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards presume?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "And your mother is alive?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "I should like to see him very much." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major said he at last. views." be best to do. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his this as likely?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we galvanised. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Yes." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Sutherland?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up matter over." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "By all means." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Precisely." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Stoke Moran." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in notes," he said. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Who was the criminal, then?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" remarked. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Of what day?" floor. nights." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." that threaten you." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Stolen." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "You have a clue?" was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, been lifted and conveyed somewhere." any." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which to you." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "'What then?' I asked. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set cheerful." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has off." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" have an American origin." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked footfalls from the street. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable meant." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "What, then?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door simple cases which are so extremely difficult." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that pierced for earrings?" foot. that I can to serve you." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it out." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "It came here." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet His smile broadened. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before ceremony." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in