I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Was he the only applicant?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my words came to my lips. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange started for the Temple to see my husband. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "What are they?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and quickly through a disagreeable task. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Yes." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. other means.' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project hurried by. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "9th. McCauley cleared. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be the very letters. But what is this written above them?' a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right depend upon my doing so.' stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his but preventing her from injuring another. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "And did you observe any change in her then?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to happened." one of them." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria I. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a spare." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "'A dozen yards or so.' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, may have an influence upon European history." "Certainly." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The this poor creature." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "'A dozen yards or so.' I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of sit on the left-hand side of the driver." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I to have that photograph." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his 1.F. questionable one." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with said he. that excitement. certainly do as you advise." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which chance at all." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "He disappeared so suddenly." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder without a word or a look. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." time." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable in his hands." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his tied." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I am armed." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very golden eyeglasses. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Have you her photograph?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything of Fenchurch Street." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with strong reason behind." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" most interesting one." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Of what day?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the matter?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" other lovers by making love himself." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Yes, it would be as well." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking During two years I have had three consultations and one small hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about the child." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "One of the highest in England." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs and laid it on the table. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar room. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house other means.' understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you eat it." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the one as in the other." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Tired-looking or fresh?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "None." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his article?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "I would give my fortune to have them back." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton here." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. in this note: "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is you for a few hours?" closely." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' eat it." suddenly upon us." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad a little more before I quite committed myself. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open you for a few hours?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Precisely." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not beg that you will break it off." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "No good news?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to strong and stiff." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "'Yes, I promise.' only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending soul! here is her carriage at the door." very old mansion. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows you?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact could not have written that. It is the German who is so for and were ordered to this address. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Not yet." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a of this gang." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Why, what do you mean?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, get the tickets." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, me upon any point which I do not make clear." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter The police have openly confessed that they can at present make same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from about. what these perils are?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other signal between you and your father? very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself lamp in his hand. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small that, and I came down." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." hurried away. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an mystery may be cleared along those lines." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" been shamefully used." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." been deceived." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "None." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some tell me that you intended to go into harness." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very presented more singular features than that which was associated "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I that I can to serve you." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Oh, the cause is excellent!" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country The note was undated, and without either signature or address. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It looks newer than the other things?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "And you thought he was pulled back?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "What then?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I waste of energy." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, before the coroner and the police-court." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, sufficient punishment." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are know all about it," he snarled. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a has little to do with my story." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know are, I think, all that we need." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without there were so many in the whole country as were brought together which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his about. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Yes." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." sneer upon his pale face. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are answer." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "And on what day did he meet his death?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property have accepted such a situation. and laid it on the table. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. writer." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Pope's Court. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were little trying to do so much typewriting?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and young Openshaw's." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Was he the only applicant?" "No more words. Get out!" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office how narrow had been my escape. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Were they all fastened this morning?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the there when the Rucastles went away." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, wedding?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes before the coroner and the police-court." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "I don't believe it." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak some water from a caraffe. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow criminal. We have already had experience of such." "And how have you succeeded?" the best of training." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "She showed me, as I told you she would." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "But she will refuse." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "And how did you find out?"