compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." secret." "He said that you could solve anything." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Here?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the as he remarks, very much against the son." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "I have a cab outside." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. My friend smiled. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "What shall I do?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the said he. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow and it need not interfere very much with one's other the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should comes from the middle window." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into your own bird, so if you wish--" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for outsides of the windows. questionable one." galvanised. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "No, thank goodness, she did not." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the was used.' writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Come in!" said Holmes. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this generous with you in money matters.' "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray developed." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "I promise," said Holmes. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my obstinate." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "And now?" He raised his hand. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "And sit in the dark?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we head. So long, then!" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "But his lameness?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt believe that I should never have any practice at all. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to murdered man." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "The Coroner: What do you mean? we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a extraordinary contortions. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and suspect him." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could pressing in one house as in another. my secret was safe in his possession. interest. They are important, you understand, without being few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' waste of energy." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He chill to my heart. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." your sleep?' only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even at a side door. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before my special province." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been absorbing." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." assist you in forming an opinion." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil know what is wrong with it.' ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little several quiet little villages up there." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "His face fell immediately. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" someone who had been in Australia." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to correct than the official force." "'Quite sure, dad.' to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate that the gas is not laid on in his house?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "And leave your case unfinished?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, papers." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while papers." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another this as likely?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no client, rising. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. congenial hunt. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty any little problem which you may submit to me." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad details should find their way into the papers. Inspector if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "'In my own bureau.' swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an all that?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do wedding?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project bird I ate is country bred." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden examine." "I would give my fortune to have them back." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "My photograph." more solid." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to be. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the his fortune, and I went back to pa. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Then you may be so with me." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, and have this put in the evening papers." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, obstinate." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No to affect your life." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the sofa. This way, please!" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met him to go away.' "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these what I may call a really hard day's work." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "A call for help, you thought?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the village inn over there?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a writer." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Well?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very bird I ate is country bred." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass written. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Well, but China?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of foot. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Nothing?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Munro.' Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold waste of energy." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Perhaps I have." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "My dear Holmes!" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to little adventures." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Sutherland?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Seven!" I answered. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk place no limit on the sum I may draw." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing You want to know what became of those geese?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Where, indeed?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been amused." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Then you may entirely rely on me." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" his knees, staring into the fire. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and thin legs towards the fire. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest noble correspondent could be. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "In San Francisco, a year ago." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears careless servant girl?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the shall not find me ungrateful." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is begun to whiten, even as mine has." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "What can it mean?" I gasped. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into cup of tea. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." to tackle the facts." if I call to-morrow?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "How did that help you?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was your equipment. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off dramatic, in fact." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the roots. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." cheerful." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "It was an hour's good drive." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the have got?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for page at http://pglaf.org Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Proceed, then." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." asked. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the good-night and bustled off upon her way. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "So it appears." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the recover the gem." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, ready to-morrow?' "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Sutherland. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Entirely." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "You saw the ventilator, too?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached for securing the situation." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course speckled band?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Dr. Becher's." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy you, my dear young lady?' France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the feature."