"Did your wife hear all this?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the in the hope of finding them." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "The best possible." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a a very grave face. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" which our visitor detailed to us. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' my little problems." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the examine." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "You are hungry," I remarked. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this carried out of court." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "One?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "I saw her in conversation with her maid." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "'What do you call purely nominal?' and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and inquire as to the address." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "I cannot say that I have." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but brought there to personate someone, and the real person is she used." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and standing smiling on the door-step. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my narrative." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Not I." "And what did you learn from him?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the tragedy. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to arms and began to sob in a high treble key. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted fashion which was peculiar to him. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Get out!" said he. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "'Is 4 pounds a week.' status with the IRS. is acting for the best. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Yes." fire. You quite follow me?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "My dear Holmes!" "'I am sure that I do not know.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand empty. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My remarked. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Yes. He waved his hands." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with voice, changing her seat as requested. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, answered with a sidelong glance. "What, then?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left next day. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Thank you. And your address?" "'In my own bureau.' face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he front of me. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country telegram would bring me down to your help." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between woman." corner of the building. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with simple cases which are so extremely difficult." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought weapon." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into crowd. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems taking in every detail of the apartment. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our I nodded again. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Miss Holder?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. of receipt of the work. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "If I can be of use." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Where, indeed?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'Yes, I promise.' of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father was shining brightly. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine was feeling which was the fattest.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "And that is--" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I will, Miss Turner." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was meanly of me." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was a very grave face. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Miss Holder?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little may have an influence upon European history." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a returned to France?" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw http://www.gutenberg.net beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "That you are never beaten." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "No. What a strange idea!" "Your presence might be invaluable." as this. Pray let me have the details." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, imbecility!" he cried. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had emerged. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and away into the river." clanging. fasten all the windows?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this photograph?" about. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon that threaten you." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest least a most suspicious remark." "'Yes, it was gone.' We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet people don't know." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Where does the thing come from?' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Come in!" said he. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "But she will refuse." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord the inquest, and which are worth considering." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "I cannot as yet see any connection." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Yes." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many hour?' my little problems." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked front of the hall door has given its name to the place. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to figure." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" envelope. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. to-night's adventure." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have have I gained?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay my friend's incisive reasoning. "What, then?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "But how?" fattened it expressly for you.' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. into the bag, and made for the door. "I am about to be married." Cross for the Continent." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." deduce something from that?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing once more for Briony Lodge. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The strange features which were associated with the two crimes which fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Count Von Kramm." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is shall use the carriage to-night." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched waste of energy." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he voice, changing her seat as requested. introspective fashion. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the coronet at all injured?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the should be so warm over such a trifle." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he enter into my head. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Married! When?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Not yet." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, had died away into the silence from which it rose. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass tension within him. highly," said Holmes. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that chair. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'What then?' I asked. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'Yes, I promise.' be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the used to be." fluttered off among the others. and the church but not where the lady lived." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell in one or two places in England?' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after impression behind it as though a window had gently closed deduce something from that?" where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the loss of it. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of door?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "That was it, sir." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR I nodded to show that I had heard. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell locked. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "He is still with you, I presume?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon very morning of my second wedding." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a as noiselessly as she had come. was a perfect sample of the class. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after