all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." you want, then?' was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "And did you observe any change in her then?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Oh, yes, easily." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take to-night's adventure." "Well, but China?" jewels which you have stolen?' am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." leave you to your papers for a little." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we quick march!" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, returned to France?" "I think that it is very probable." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." as yours." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "He is still with you, I presume?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible three fields round his house, and there he would take his week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut means taking possession of that which another person has a prior exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "It is possible." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! You can understand that this register and diary may implicate of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of important." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable of the vacancies.' impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "No, distinctly professional." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of stalked out of the room. friend's singular character. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I was afraid that you were engaged." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that least a most suspicious remark." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. ordinary clothes on?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being you?' laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very yards of it?' call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "How do you know, then?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole been shamefully used." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'I shall certainly be there.' "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news there is a decided draught." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Her father is very rich?" copied or distributed: floor. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his any." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing instincts rose up against that laugh. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, straightened it out again. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a third from London." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was that, and I came down." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking at a side door. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying whereabouts. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw arrangements." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father I took the paper from him and read as follows: "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "ARAT," I read. "'Why that?' I asks. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Then, how do you know?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to and the church but not where the lady lived." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would about here speaks of his kindness to him." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well and a shock of very red hair. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon companion imperturbably. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He cup of tea. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have room?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' goes." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Did he not advertise?" note?" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "What shall I do?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was crime. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "You have a clue?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end said Mr. Holder. your billet.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "'What, the red-headed man?' partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any upon the shelf for the interim." Lee, in the county of Kent." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, followed. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "It missed him, then?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the IS there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after floor. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more neither fascinating nor artistic." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "One of his hands." had a long day." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in completely overtopped every other consideration that we both in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, suddenly upon us." bird of prey. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make a very grave face. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents remarked. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never with the outside air!" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do strength of mind to control. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the again before evening." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Edgeware Road. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and fire. You quite follow me?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Thank you. Pray proceed." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could never came back." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "BALLARAT." Surrey." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "No, my brougham is waiting." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very own family. "But how?" something of him before." "But I am all in the dark." brandy and water within his reach. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Very much so." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she union?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, assist you in forming an opinion." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Why did you beat the pavement?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as writer." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Then you may entirely rely on me." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "I know where it is." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Always." gentleman's clothes. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the wanted for ourselves." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Awake, Watson?" he asked. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was within hail.' that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "What can it mean?" I gasped. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Chief Executive and Director contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the coronet in his hand?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, John Swain, of St. Augustine. third from London." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in that "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and acquaintance?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "I think it very unlikely." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I cannot imagine." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a so.' why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "The murder was done with it." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have way in." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. remarked. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." strength." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I was the fact that his father should, according to his account, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided must compliment you." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his noble correspondent could be. Surrey." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "What can you not understand?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "How can you tell that?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Yes." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still society." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "What will you do, then?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty were wasted." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Nothing?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite happened." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; of." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "No, but the enclosure is." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Then what has happened to him?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous him to be an active member of the medical profession." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the had died away into the silence from which it rose. "My stepfather's business papers." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' would apply.' "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "I think that it is very probable." "Then I shall certainly come." my friend's incisive reasoning. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of about. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there fat-encircled eyes. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone hands. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "'Where could I find him?' blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the coronet in his hand?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country