"'Is purely nominal.' "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before most interesting one." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he late." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 a little more before I quite committed myself. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had six. Come in!" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the chill to my heart. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after chance at all." and have this put in the evening papers." about. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. companion quietly. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, late!' house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Absolutely?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Yes." passage and a tap at the door. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin and capable of preserving a secret.' know that the truth is known." wedding?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the very morning of the wedding." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return mystery may be cleared along those lines." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "No, distinctly professional." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror bell. Holmes whistled. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H again before evening." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "My private note-paper." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed situation." "Stolen." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and you in yours." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his shadow pass over his face as I spoke. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. and inquire as to the address." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Count Von Kramm." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his excitement. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, of Mr. Rucastle's." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "No sign of it?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." congratulate you again." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Certainly, madam." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I people in all walks of life. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do distance from the station, and there we found the young lady all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Entirely." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been chill to my heart. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding in the hope of finding them." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own see a sister of mine apply for." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Then how many are there?" past. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Was he the only applicant?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, telegram would bring me down to your help." least a most suspicious remark." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend he died? springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Very. But will he see it?" "And Irene Adler?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this business in the City. She little knew what. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be charged with?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Yes, from Horsham." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people any little problem which you may submit to me." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "And help." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "It is solved." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which lips." "I would pay ten." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had telegram would bring me down to your help." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security said he, "my real name is James Ryder." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the fat-encircled eyes. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' village inn over there?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and used to be." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and looked back. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, posted to-day." "No, finished." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing have been better. It is all right." shoulder. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which bore every mark of being an average commonplace British ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "And that is--" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "My photograph." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the as he remarks, very much against the son." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally whatever might befall. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Yes." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or there is a decided draught." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate our word." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical carriage. It was a chestnut." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "No, my brougham is waiting." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, fattened it expressly for you.' "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of plantation.' "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "By no means." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap notes," he said. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil John Swain, of St. Augustine. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads voice, changing her seat as requested. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, bonnet, and went out." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a entirely lost his self-respect." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't this as likely?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you all?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six of Fenchurch Street." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Certainly not. But why?' severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding to take care of herself." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "A greater distance to travel." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "I say it is." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter to me. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one for securing the situation." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Ten will be early enough." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "We must sit without light. He would see it through the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. once more. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his problems help me to do so." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless The King stared at him in amazement. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I cannot tell." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "'Certainly not. But why?' and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said corner of the building. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of in the port of London." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a matter over." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "But you have hopes?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "That's no good." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Yes, at the mines." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "No, distinctly professional." "It is solved." future lives." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was few hundred pounds.' "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "The decline of his fortunes, then?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to it." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project ago." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible sake, don't!" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Precisely." one of the states of the Union." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "But his lameness?" said I. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Here?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the are, I think, all that we need." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm had formerly been in part my own. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease.