ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing triumphant cloud from his cigarette. there was no need for father to know." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main did not hear it also.' widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "A call for help, you thought?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and it need not interfere very much with one's other "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend hardly wander." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little as noiselessly as she had come. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which that, and I came down." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was behind me. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, suddenly upon us." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "We were both in the photograph." success. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Lestrade of Scotland Yard." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of look upon these things in a different way." "One of the highest in England." as the one I chose?' the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Watson," he said cordially. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a chance at all." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have chair. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Breckinridge is his name." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "And is that all?" article?" "Yes, but only for you and me." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, leaning back in his chair. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "It was." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "He slept on the premises." foresight and the moral retrogression?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon lumber-room." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, secret." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "And how did he make his money?" and a shock of very red hair. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I shoulder; "he's all right." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the you." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was you in yours." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he chambers. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'Ample.' showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to call you and give you the chance." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have most interesting one." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding heavily into it. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Ten will be early enough." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce the little opening for the ventilator is." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, little trying to do so much typewriting?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen locked." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his them present such singular features as the strange train of the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker IS admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, you, my dear young lady?' my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Certainly." which our visitor detailed to us. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. you want, then?' rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. to change my dress. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and definite end. "I cannot say that I have." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "He disappeared so suddenly." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the quickly through a disagreeable task. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "By train from Waterloo." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy joking. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. off." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "If I can be of use." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which before the coroner and the police-court." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Why, what do you mean?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw over here." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "One of his hands." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you second." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously went to the Alpha were town bred." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was sooner or later she must fall a victim. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not charged with?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I key turn in the lock." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go mystery!" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, of Fenchurch Street." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I was afraid that you were engaged." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But good for you to do.' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. my former friend and companion. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Upon what point?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I country, and eventually married, without anyone having a used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, III. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "A confidential servant?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire records." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the King without delay." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. http://gutenberg.net/license). The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle should be taken.' observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "'Why that?' I asks. more solid." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear once more for Briony Lodge. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and out of this horrible affair." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one written. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly views." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. whole matter to your consideration." "And the cigar-holder?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Which are?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you manager. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "The decline of his fortunes, then?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" charged with?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "No legal papers or certificates?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was new duties?' exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "And I." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his relation between them, and what the object of his repeated His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident point in the dark hollow of his hand. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "No, I think that I'll take it." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes hour." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Not yet." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" someone who had been in Australia." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of papers." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a official police." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. his face. of the way of danger. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and no precautions can guard against." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Upon what point?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him strong reason behind." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for posted to-day." the so-precious time, but come!' long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew writer." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. himself to hunt down. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect good for you to do.' "His face fell immediately. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "And how?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Yesterday." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a look upon these things in a different way." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. man. I know him from the photograph." until night should bring an explanation. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "A client, then?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "That was it, sir." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "It is possible." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the she to prove their authenticity?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should served to weaken the effect. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late with some details as to your case." "'Yes, I promise.' where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I room had already been engaged for us. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when His smile broadened. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant me." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a business matters.' heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project off." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, acquaintance?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in digesting their breakfasts at home." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the indeed which he could not unravel. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and me, and I could not think that his explanation of the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "But of what society?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Where is it, then?" "What can it mean?" I gasped. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have charge against him will break down." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward depend upon your compliance." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great whereabouts. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the roots. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been