or in danger--" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "And now?" I asked. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the possible that we could bring him back to her? room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, presume?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. the stones. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is overpowering excitement and concern. formed some opinion?" get the tickets." I approached. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already simple cases which are so extremely difficult." was already answered. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales forbidden door. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "No." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say following enigmatical notices: "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London criminal. We have already had experience of such." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Whose house is it?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Street. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "No bad?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Yes, that is the Crown." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. of the one which your family is now devouring." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "You have the photograph?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain opportunities to fix the problem. vanished into the darkness. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "I am all attention, madam." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault manager. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears not as remarkable as your advertisement." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his see me here to avoid scandal." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "'Most admirably.' events than those which have happened in my own family." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "'Yes, sir.' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Nothing." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "'Ample.' Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "None. Neville wrote those words." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "'And the work?' one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Pope's Court, Fleet Street." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Stolen, then." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Then I do not see the point." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Dark enough and sinister enough." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the the one as in the other." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress you give your casting vote to?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Where did you address your letters, then?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "But how did you gain them?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: lost his Christmas dinner." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "I was afraid that you were engaged." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "How on earth--" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found to go into your room and bar your shutters?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment opened a pocket-book and took out a note. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "What?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as where Mr. Fordham shows you.' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, John Swain, of St. Augustine. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of John Swain, of St. Augustine. 11:15.' the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a think you a quite exceptional woman." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. some city in a dream. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "And you thought he was pulled back?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which carriage. It was a chestnut." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Certainly." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" see me here to avoid scandal." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "And help." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "You horrify me!" already been minutely examined." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Why? What do you mean?" "Imitated." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That vague figure huddled up in the darkness. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without said he. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as tied." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Yesterday." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't sofa. This way, please!" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an hair?' then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business it with his own hands." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low me, and I could not think that his explanation of the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his I took the paper from him and read as follows: and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure second." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had then?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the coronet in his hands?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "You will not go there first?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of too. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George article?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, forehead. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Clair, of Lee." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it tail." interested in these little problems, and since you are good problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice IS moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some have one." as he remarks, very much against the son." weary and pale-looking. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Certainly, madam." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he this man was intellectual?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "How did you deduce the select?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Thank you. Pray proceed." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or was shining brightly. once more for Briony Lodge. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "And what did you see?" "I see no marks." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, success. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Not in a good cause." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "You have compromised yourself seriously." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Did you become engaged then?" directly by questioning you." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Does that suggest anything?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own hurried away. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'And the work?' "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's presented which may be striking and bizarre without being London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Really! You surprise me." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity unkempt, staring out at me. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Well?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Farm upon the left." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to there was no need for father to know." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "You horrify me!" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to all?" "This photograph!" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "No." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "To ruin me." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I will, Miss Turner." rooms." a room. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in go from here to the Strand." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Two days later this same performance was gone through under sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "An enemy?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing The King stared at him in amazement. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Edgeware Road. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the tragedy. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "I beg pardon." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His cheerful." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon is so. I know all about McCarthy." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their undoubtedly my uncle's." chemical work which was so dear to him. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be maid will bring up your coffee." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was hopeless attempt at recovering them." one which it was hard to resist. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it purpose of examination. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Pray do so." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they unclasping of his long thin hands. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds gone. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of