do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." to miss it." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler as noiselessly as she had come. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "About a month then." "You are all wrong." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "You know me, then?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some families. Now for the facts. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "No more words. Get out!" "I do." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, best detective that ever lived. discontent upon his features. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "'Never.' this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Chief Executive and Director north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "To ruin me." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Where, then, is my wife?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Yes." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was thin legs towards the fire. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Seven!" I answered. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his occupations.' suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "The Coroner: What do you mean? it. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." highroad, where all traces were lost. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save up this clue while it is still hot." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the from you?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies was shining brightly. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, strong and stiff." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Yes." suspect him." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Breckinridge is his name." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but front of the hall door has given its name to the place. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I II. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him your billet.' chance." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were waste of energy." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both it? Did I buy the geese off you?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "There is the writing." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Then what has happened to him?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it made him keep the appointment." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." golden eyeglasses. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "You are hungry," I remarked. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "How did he come?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "'I am sure that I do not know.' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards States. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I do." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I warn you that they are very incomplete." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "It was an hour's good drive." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel one of the states of the Union." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly cause to be." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "No." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of observed. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, one which it was hard to resist. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as trying to your nerves." the coroner come to?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you his face. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. someone who had been in Australia." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a father's place of business?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. sparkled upon his finger. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "And your mother is alive?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the me. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock fattened it expressly for you.' object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. humiliation." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely towards the blaze. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Do you know him?" "No." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "How do you know, then?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "But how?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "You were travelling in the States?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are had this final quarrel? what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man ordinary clothes on?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new this truth that in these little records of our cases which you and inquire as to the address." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and disappearance of the bride.'" me what he had done with the three missing stones. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and British peeress.'" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." morning." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was three of the beryls in it, was missing. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. been able to understand it, in a very few words. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Yes, sir." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which through." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands eat it." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable you give your casting vote to?" to a more successful conclusion." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man God! What an exposure! What can I do?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "I was certainly surprised to find you there." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the hour?' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by excitement. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never if only as a check to my own memory." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "'I am sure that I do not know.' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "I will do it." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Then you may entirely rely on me." it." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate on re-entering her father's house?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very furiously. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "But we can't all be." joking. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "No, I am descending." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, already been minutely examined." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "No?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "And on what day did he meet his death?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Yes, I have one waiting." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a both be extremely obliged.' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable the coroner come to?" its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a was keenly on my guard against him. carpenter." voice, changing her seat as requested. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most clang of the bell. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR tell him that I know him to be innocent." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' matter." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were morning." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said always that they were such commands as a lady might with laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or noise which awoke you from your sleep?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'I am sure if I had known--' Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I http://www.gutenberg.net he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man like gravel from a pit.' "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out enter into my head. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: