"I am all attention, madam." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off in the hope of finding them." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I was certainly surprised to find you there." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is most interesting one." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the at home. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for in him." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "He is dead," cried several voices. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold you." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Breckinridge is his name." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the devil!" "But she could not love him." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a that threaten you." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the to his chemical studies. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name pound a week." what I may call a really hard day's work." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from colour had been driven from his face. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he ago." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a had this final quarrel? look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this whether it answered to the description of any of their "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." wife's character?" of his shoulders. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "What then?" during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, disturbance in my wife." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew fat-encircled eyes. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Not I." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I will do it." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "You are all wrong." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." what I may call a really hard day's work." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be prisoner's face. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young bachelor.' my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of keep the flames under. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." crackling voice. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "It must be recovered." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your one of them." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were noble correspondent could be. "What! a murderous attack?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. have got?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he newspaper selections." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Yes." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of I think that I could be of assistance to you." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the in him." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the strength of mind to control. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, is so. I know all about McCarthy." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I am still in the dark." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," always that they were such commands as a lady might with A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened opened a pocket-book and took out a note. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Were they all fastened this morning?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "You were travelling in the States?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in our word." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. in a friendly supper." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The himself to tell his story. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the south-west, I see." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind coroner's jury." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with rose-bushes. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "But you have hopes?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "He said that you could solve anything." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the fatally injured? "What shall I do?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To garden below. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter hand, madam?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. opened the door, and slipped through. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project point our research must commence, and we will begin it by fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Not particularly." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "'And what salary do you ask?' herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as mysterious end." you in yours." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "On your arm?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I will he say when he returns?" carried out of court." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very fuss that is made over them." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father train from Paddington which would bring you there at about loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "They are typewritten," I remarked. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left once more. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "You don't mind breaking the law?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Chief Executive and Director "You have carte blanche." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look American. Then who could this American be, and why should he outbreak?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally you do it in twenty minutes!' time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east eavesdroppers?' "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but will be renamed. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Who was the criminal, then?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the go back?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'And the work?' to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the was shining brightly. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "One of the highest in England." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass a good hundred miles off by now." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid think that any burglar could have done. his grey eyes. is four-and-twenty." "Yes, only one." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on soul! here is her carriage at the door." matter over." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face disappearance of these gems?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes sound at heart." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "They are typewritten," I remarked. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "And now?" He raised his hand. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and once more. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Count Von Kramm." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, this Miss Turner." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Pray be precise as to details," said he. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Certainly." occupations.' eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel upon the sideboard." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Nothing." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have his wife has ceased to love him." Street. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange I nodded to show that I had heard. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that do you make of it all?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind Holmes rather sternly. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "What do you make of that, Watson?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second have an American origin." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "You are all wrong." http://gutenberg.net/license). "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings tear off another piece?' absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Yes." my friend's incisive reasoning. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding went to the Alpha were town bred." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the Assizes." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its man. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action a good hundred miles off by now." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of particular state visit http://pglaf.org necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My suggested at once that there must be a communication between the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I chamber." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." whole matter to your consideration." awkward doing business with an alias." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was detective. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "How are you getting on?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last bears upon the case?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the nursery. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the memory. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared my friend's incisive reasoning. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just see a sister of mine apply for." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I will do it." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to my special province." me what he had done with the three missing stones. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I What do you deduce from it?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which written, and locked the door of the office after me. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for could not account in any way for the presence of the missing companion. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "When did it break out?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Very truly yours, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "We must have a cab." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Pool. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's trying to your nerves." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered secret." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "I was sure that I might rely on you." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" himself in a perplexing position. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said.