insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution leaning back in his chair. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Well." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the so-precious time, but come!' side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if him and tried to hold him back. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "I shall be delighted." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "No, I think that I'll take it." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to knowledge of the world." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain her also." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Where is it, then?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police than to us. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Seven!" I answered. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Come in!" said he. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "And you don't know his address?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off go back?" to tell." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. could go. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a face and glided from the room. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Here?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Young McCarthy must be got off, however." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, there." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he shall use the carriage to-night." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with strong and stiff." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Why? What do you mean?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Where, then?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "It is possible." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He works. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a overpowering excitement and concern. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "What I expected to see." annoyance, but no jest. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and sparkled upon his finger. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Did you observe the colour?" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a will take you up to see the machine.' "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "A confidential servant?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon will take you up to see the machine.' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Breckinridge is his name." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Was your sister dressed?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Arthur Conan Doyle "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who important." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to correct than the official force." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "I cannot say that I have." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Street. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off papers." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." The King stared at him in amazement. the tragedy. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in man. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for fasten all the windows?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my highroad, where all traces were lost. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of occupations.' the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Edgeware Road. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have bare slabs of marble. to-night?' you." secret." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Precisely so. But how--" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "I will, Miss Turner." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "I was mad--insane." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free over his head with a sweet womanly caress. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All during that time.' "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and new duties?' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down it." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Did he not advertise?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his meanly of me." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my such person." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a present strange and interesting features that it is no easy ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "No, distinctly professional." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "To ruin me." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in it." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." his huge brown hands. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he must compliment you." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be I held the little printed slip to the light. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and mystery." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "So I have heard." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the be sorry for having acted so harshly." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'Most admirably.' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by and the church but not where the lady lived." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "You did not overhear what they said?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and feature." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a like gravel from a pit.' "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I fear not." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the that you can jump it.' 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "'Never,' said I. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. thirty. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in fattened it expressly for you.' "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged arrested. You then--" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Which are?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior his wife has ceased to love him." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "But she could not love him." writers could invent nothing more crude." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it opportunities to fix the problem. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the coronet in his hands?" at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "And why?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Why did you pick him?" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. villagers almost as much as their master. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I have my revolver," said I. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He ordinary clothes on?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp round with crates and massive boxes. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at my secret was safe in his possession. distinguish the words: gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been you?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Frequently." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "And your father? Did you tell him?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this yet." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Yes." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing of note-paper. It read in this fashion: flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "But his lameness?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has of them has the shutters up.' explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, there." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "You know me, then?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Because he was handy and would come cheap." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical in one or two places in England?' Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of minor matters until to-morrow." annoyance, but no jest. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction purpose of examination. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Lee, in the county of Kent." My friend smiled. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever evidence," I remarked. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Mary, has deserted me." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! detective. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor wedding?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of with some details as to your case." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal very peculiar words of the dying woman?" depend upon my doing so.' for and were ordered to this address. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter shall not find me ungrateful." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "No. What a strange idea!" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Sholtos." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this letters?" prepare for the new role I have to play." "His face fell immediately. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, his knees, staring into the fire. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or horse could go." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties."