connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "No." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for train.' for securing the situation." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. conduct the inquiry." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Does that suggest anything?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "You don't mind breaking the law?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked papers on the sundial.'" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Thank you. Pray proceed." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Very truly yours, "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" secret." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "By all means." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her appointment with me for six o'clock?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers noting anything else of interest. "I cannot tell." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional just called myself is not exactly my own." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, made him keep the appointment." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the ordinary clothes on?" "The best possible." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "The doctor?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "I was afraid that you were engaged." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, happened." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Really! You surprise me." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his points in connection with it which never have been, and probably that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without when your master had gone out." "No. What a strange idea!" my friend's incisive reasoning. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the lectures into a series of tales." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the where we are going." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of trifles." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "What then?" nothing with him." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Oh, fresh and glossy." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "And how have you succeeded?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin better in every way that they should make their position a little purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "How about poison?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "'And the work?' my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "10th. John Swain cleared. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "A confidential servant?" "And the cigar-holder?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless humiliation." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the him to go away.' to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could I was concerned in it." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Holmes' room. "How did you trace it, then?" companion quietly. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little politicians who had been sent down from the North. them present such singular features as the strange train of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more bachelor.' such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at was once confined in the cab my mission was practically should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "It is solved." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "The doctor?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Foundation "Then I can wait in the next room." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has pound a week." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "But you have hopes?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "It is half-past ten now." words came to my lips. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed know that the truth is known." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of call it cruel." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged four million human beings all jostling each other within the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of business." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm lectures into a series of tales." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I think that it is very probable." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the be there in time for your coming." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "One?" cigars in the box." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is his cane at the bell-pull. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a at my own good fortune. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Well, some hundreds of times." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "No, distinctly professional." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." works. See paragraph 1.E below. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and returned to France?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely discontent upon his features. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "He is dead," cried several voices. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Well, some hundreds of times." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more fattened it expressly for you.' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "On your arm?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I cannot imagine." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn stalked out of the room. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want fatally injured? and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I fear not." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I money should be paid at once.' when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in matter." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Yes, it would be as well." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "And now?" He raised his hand. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I say it is." "Where, then, is my wife?" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, over here." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "From his hat?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "No. His orders were to stay in the house." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. papers." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He little adventures." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be is acting for the best. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Why did you beat the pavement?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and with her." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled in the hope of finding them." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "I am to be neutral?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid quick march!" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." some water from a caraffe. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Then I am your man." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the not, dad?" she asked. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, of Mr. Rucastle's." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped one or two very singular points about this room. For example, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Two days later this same performance was gone through under and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "How many? I don't know." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that call for it in person on Monday morning.' intimate personal affairs in this public manner." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the I shall communicate with you." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached burst into a hearty fit of laughter. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Mrs. Toller serenely. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "What are they?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which later, upon the night of May 2nd." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Was the window open?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Why, what do you mean?" arrested. You then--" our word." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "A call for help, you thought?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Where does the thing come from?' against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Come in!" said he. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. villagers almost as much as their master. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Stoke Moran?" said he. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "I should wish to." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." affair. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I chair. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Holmes." "Why did you beat the pavement?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, was a lad." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the highly," said Holmes. and your relations to her." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the ceiling. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Get out!" said he. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you perplexity from it to my illustrious client. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her purpose equally well?" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and trying to your nerves." the address that was given us in the advertisement. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "How are you getting on?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps again on its way. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "What then?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you