of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind arrested. You then--" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "And for present expenses?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "'Is purely nominal.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Stoke Moran." get her out of the way." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good of this gang." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Witness: It was. of it with the greatest attention. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you my room." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out constraint." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'And what salary do you ask?' whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, and I shall be with you presently." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. did not hear it also.' St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it this remarkable episode. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Yes, all." The events in question occurred in the early days of my the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "The decline of his fortunes, then?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a your billet.' the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case remarked. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly it." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "What, then?" triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous it right.' makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when crime." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I His smile broadened. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Certainly." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock of this gang." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she time." note?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further been." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Get out!" said he. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Stoke Moran?" said he. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able thin legs towards the fire. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "What, then, did Peterson do?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "By train from Waterloo." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious have got?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Heh?' habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work I leave." Literary Archive Foundation running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "We have tried and failed." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have anything to do with the matter?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the you." ceremony." "Get out!" said he. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "What! You do not mean bodies?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on brain must have something in it." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Mrs. Toller serenely. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide were unconscious?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Holmes' room. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small events, Mr. Windibank!" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "The knees of his trousers." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are and looked back. "It is a murder, then?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. was keenly on my guard against him. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of nights." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a which we had just quitted. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the been deceived." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day examination of the premises, but without finding anything which families. Now for the facts. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Her father is very rich?" "He said that you could solve anything." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day problems help me to do so." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the child." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted pound a week." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "The vanishing of the lady." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been children over to America with him, so that I found myself without the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "No, finished." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Not social, then?" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "What I expected to see." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "'Yes, sir.' out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that during which he might have communicated with his friend the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But this man was intellectual?" "Just look it up, then." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "I was mad--insane." the coronet at all injured?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' direction." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a there has been an enclosure here!" not come at once?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been not fit the lock." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Which are?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and Again Holmes raved in the air. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and murdered man." comes from the middle window." pictures, libraries, or plate. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was side. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "No." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door may never be exposed to such a temptation." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Here?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "And what did you see?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, tell him that I know him to be innocent." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that disappearance of the bride.'" the inquest, and which are worth considering." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond these bleak autumnal evenings." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "We were both in the photograph." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the particular state visit http://pglaf.org we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Murdered?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. orange pips. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "The murder was done with it." which our visitor detailed to us. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so me have 200 pounds?' this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "No, distinctly professional." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "What! Had he lost his wife?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Lestrade of Scotland Yard." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress dear old homesteads?" "'There is a drive, then?' world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my I think that I could be of assistance to you." when you have done it." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "But how did you gain them?" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "'About the same.' "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "But who is he?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture status with the IRS. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. unkempt, staring out at me. nonsense.' out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" in a very precise fashion." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Did you become engaged then?" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest rooms." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Mrs. Toller serenely. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between one else, I think." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch hands. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "If I can be of use." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom you give your casting vote to?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just promised to bring home. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "How did you trace it, then?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune congratulate you again." "And who is her maid?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the coronet in his hands?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "And I say east," said my patient. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a in the port of London." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I happened." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us wanted for ourselves." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Pray let us have it, for all that." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and to tell." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "I cannot think." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Why? What do you mean?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide writing, and yet I know it well." "And how did he make his money?" is acting for the best. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your indiscretion." too. my secret was safe in his possession. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "But she will refuse." think, you have already met." empty. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "How did he come?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Then what has happened to him?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall bore every mark of being an average commonplace British preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything call it cruel." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger."