was the fact that his father should, according to his account, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then enough to aid us in our search." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "What then?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "You think so, too?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us husband's writing, madam." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I came to find a friend." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had footfalls from the street. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "VIOLET HUNTER." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman even so self-evident a thing as that." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went look upon these things in a different way." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his clanging. do.' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, matters immensely." astonishment. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "And that is--" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of despaired of." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "And sit in the dark?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as in one or two places in England?' "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a I took the paper from him and read as follows: "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had look dissatisfied." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight kindly on the shoulder. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "And what then?" nothing of it?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Look there!" said he. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and that before taking the final step I should like to submit the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any laugh and put his lips to my ear. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in fattened it expressly for you.' had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the taking in every detail of the apartment. to change my dress. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "What is it?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not present strange and interesting features that it is no easy without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and lamp in his hand. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." long narrative. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" back to my heart. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "To an English lawyer named Norton." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his his face which made him a very different person to the round, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Did you become engaged then?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Yes." "But not more so than I to find you." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "At half-wages, in fact." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "You saw the ventilator, too?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Sholtos." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "In what way?" asked Holmes. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Literary Archive Foundation A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, of the vacancies.' of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." chemical work which was so dear to him. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'Certainly,' I answered. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to detective. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "But you were on a friendly footing?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. look dissatisfied." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a I. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to he. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned all?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, http://www.gutenberg.net "Look there!" said he. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "And why?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "In what way?" asked Holmes. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "He said that you could solve anything." light and attacked it." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. have had none more fantastic than this." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the hand, madam?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "That sounds a little paradoxical." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "It certainly sounds feasible." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. burst out into a roar of laughter. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable a little more before I quite committed myself. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to all-comprehensive glances. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door main points of my analysis." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major been deceived." said he. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon matter." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Dr. Gregory B. Newby such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "At the wedding breakfast." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in seven miles from Eyford Station.' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate not as remarkable as your advertisement." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his to a light-house. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Was your sister dressed?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! nothing of it?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'Tell me all about it,' said I. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start whole matter to your consideration." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester case before our client came into the room." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a coat-tails." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said confronted him. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Where, then, is my wife?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to and laid it on the table. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the gbnewby@pglaf.org our word." hardly wander." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely business." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure out." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "'Yes, sir.' "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you October 9, 1890. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" for the market.' crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the had a long day." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I himself in a perplexing position. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as will take you up to see the machine.' and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "'Ten to two.' ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'Stolen!' he cried. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "To an English lawyer named Norton." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Holmes." "Well, some hundreds of times." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. asked. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Why? What do you mean?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of think you a quite exceptional woman." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally ready to-morrow?' he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came least a fellow-countryman. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, gentleman's clothes. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no key turn in the lock." letters?" "You have a clue?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new depend upon your compliance." with you?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the time." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did down in his armchair and closing his eyes. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. coroner's jury." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "She will not sell." "It is very kind of you." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's telegram would bring me down to your help." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Stoke Moran." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "He disappeared so suddenly." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client will be renamed. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "I will, Miss Turner." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no green of the new foliage. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the this Miss Turner." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms corner of the building. Cross for the Continent." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of to have that photograph." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to appointment with me for six o'clock?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I less than 26s. 4d. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is you in yours." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely purpose of examination.