knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "It is possible." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." for and were ordered to this address. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "To an end?" other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I am to be neutral?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "On the contrary, this is the right side." appeal." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a constraint." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Yes, certainly." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous people don't know." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you congenial hunt. answer." "Deserted you?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "I assure you that I am in your hands." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Street. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Ten will be early enough." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." voice, changing her seat as requested. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to true." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "And how in the world did you find them?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project bonnet, and went out." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "You have a clue?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because daring than any effort of the imagination." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "And sit in the dark?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. conceal it?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. to have been novel and of interest." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is helping a boy to put up the shutters. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project whereabouts. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and main points of my analysis." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Countess of Morcar's?" fat-encircled eyes. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the new duties?' refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the go from here to the Strand." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I came to find a friend." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Her father is very rich?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure of it with the greatest attention. enough to aid us in our search." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, companion quietly. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all tell him that I know him to be innocent." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his opportunities to fix the problem. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already shall not find me ungrateful." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a your bag." are, and they are waiting for us." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he some place of shelter and let the county police know what has have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three key of the affair now." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks to me. "Of what?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that just ask you whether you had heard it.' inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and desk. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She your billet.' constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." was a perfect sample of the class. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "And how?" weapon." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they business came to an end." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin sooner or later she must fall a victim. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to once more. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "What of the rat, then?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "I am armed." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. views." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "No legal papers or certificates?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and see me here to avoid scandal." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical article?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "And what did you learn from him?" Gutenberg-tm License. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "The rest you will leave in our hands." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do digesting their breakfasts at home." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner knowledge of the world." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Your presence might be invaluable." letters?" back alive. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming crowd. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not My friend smiled. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Really! You surprise me." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to other means.' we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Two days later this same performance was gone through under have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the room had already been engaged for us. What do you deduce from it?" so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "'Why that?' I asks. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling works. See paragraph 1.E below. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad fish-monger and a tide-waiter." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That him to be an active member of the medical profession." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Dr. Becher's." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built three fields round his house, and there he would take his will be renamed. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence business." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" occurred." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the tragedy. "But I have heard all that you have heard." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "At the wedding breakfast." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own occupations.' one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Really! You surprise me." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the works. See paragraph 1.E below. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his my special province." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused chambers. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "None." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She exactly what you advise." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and rooms." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts sake, don't!" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece anything to do with the matter?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On triumphant cloud from his cigarette. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution helping a boy to put up the shutters. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Dr. Becher's." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the of receipt of the work. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he once more. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which cause to be." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the room while you explain this matter?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Because he was handy and would come cheap." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the your billet.' the coronet in his hand?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "There is the writing." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good note?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Never." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a point in the dark hollow of his hand. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Tired-looking or fresh?" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we looking up at the numbers of the houses." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination cigars in the box." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead asked. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the warnings." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to go from here to the Strand." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we writers could invent nothing more crude." been able to understand it, in a very few words. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "The Coroner: What do you mean? them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much annoyance, but no jest. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my golden eyeglasses. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock are, I think, all that we need." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the arrested. You then--" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock upon the white wrist. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak."