"'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "The gentleman I describe." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and laid it on the table. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I came to find a friend." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "How long did she speak to this Alice?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Stolen." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Yes. He waved his hands." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely nights." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in plantation.' assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "The landlord of the Alpha." becomes even more simple." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a October 9, 1890. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor breakfast." "When did she vanish, then?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, way in." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not nothing of it?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Then I am your man." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both meant." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'How far from the body?' suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Certainly, madam." disappearance of these gems?" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of examine." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "She will not sell." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "I shall be delighted." "There is the writing." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less are, and they are waiting for us." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My three of the beryls in it, was missing. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than the salesman. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was straighten it?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and experiences." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a kindly on the shoulder. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." once more. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper happened." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain father's young wife. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the nursery. I held the little printed slip to the light. case-book, which he consulted. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders had a long day." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It interested in these little problems, and since you are good this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Holmes' room. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it compunction about shooting them down." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this subject to the trademark license, especially commercial 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the how narrow had been my escape. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open his knees, staring into the fire. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been disappearance of these gems?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "And why?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "No." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the morning and make my own way in the world.' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had to tackle the facts." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a experiences." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away here." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to unprofitable." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you key of the affair now." "She walked into the breakfast-room." dramatic, in fact." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the is acting for the best. your sleep?' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "And the cigar-holder?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Then he might have called to you?" "No good news?" to miss it." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the should be taken.' Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and you." power." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Surrey." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "It missed him, then?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds directors have had misgivings upon the subject." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at one which it was hard to resist. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the own family. tear off another piece?' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, me. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how events, Mr. Windibank!" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "'What do you call purely nominal?' leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "And you can do nothing until then?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off take the flies, but not before." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with standing smiling on the door-step. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who only touch the interest." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, in this note: the Assizes." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the which we had just quitted. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year go from here to the Strand." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "It was an hour's good drive." footfalls from the street. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be me. You must get home instantly and act." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it problems help me to do so." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive lamp. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he of Mr. Rucastle's." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from call the police, let the police find what they can.' had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded drove away. think that any burglar could have done. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Surrey." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. relief. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Here?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Watson," he said cordially. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "But what will you do?" mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, This is what he says: my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to breakfast." invisible to me," I remarked. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived could gather together that I was able to avert another public Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "'I have already given you my word.' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "I will not look." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Yes." call you and give you the chance." "Nothing?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, you in yours." "And for present expenses?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by of receipt of the work. "What steps will you take?" I asked. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of papers." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. could go. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. his grey eyes. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "10th. John Swain cleared. "It is possible." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to that I am arrested." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "And Irene Adler?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "And how have you succeeded?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for nonsense.' A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "I think it very unlikely." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "I cannot say that I have." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction not come at once?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you place of silver." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the running down." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several bell. Holmes whistled. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the coronet in his hand?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "But of what society?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Very. But will he see it?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together The note was undated, and without either signature or address. power." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Yes." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'Yes, it was gone.' quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. brandy and water within his reach. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. one else, I think." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out quickly through a disagreeable task. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing once more on the important position which you have been fortunate least a most suspicious remark." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Yes." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "On the contrary, this is the right side." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to villagers almost as much as their master. "And how did you find out?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "ARAT," I read. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution directly by questioning you." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Nothing." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Was your sister dressed?" wife's character?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Pray continue your narrative." begun to whiten, even as mine has." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the redistribution. retorted upon me, and I on you." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. maid will bring up your coffee." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry