"It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little said he, "my real name is James Ryder." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." clang of the bell. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best money should be paid at once.' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "A greater distance to travel." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "What will you say?" "'Yes, I promise.' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "And you don't know his address?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the fact, we may call it conclusive." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how out." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open that he will be back before evening." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, electronic works us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the roots. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "And your father? Did you tell him?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for developed." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his wedding?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after about. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and said he, "my real name is James Ryder." trifles." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Nothing?" "Never to return." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "One of the highest in England." been." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "But his left-handedness." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "And your father? Did you tell him?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I minor matters until to-morrow." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of tied." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the your only hope of safety." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "But you have hopes?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Which are?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up subject to the trademark license, especially commercial it means?" an introduction to him?" points to suicide?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Holmes rather sternly. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to upon an income of about 60 pounds." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "And leave your case unfinished?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. absorbing." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open father's young wife. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an had formerly been in part my own. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he without a word or a look. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too public press." "Of what?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and papers diligently of late, have you not?" back into the street. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "What, then?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a bore every mark of being an average commonplace British said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were will not take me long to tell. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "But you were on a friendly footing?" to-night?" I asked. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Then I can wait in the next room." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Very well, sir. And this stone?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "So I heard. You have him here?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." woven round him. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself lost nothing by them." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow wanted for ourselves." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is be sorry for having acted so harshly." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been and all of them with the keenest interest. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "And you don't know his address?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "To ruin me." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Yes." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the know all about it," he snarled. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came orange pips. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set so.' "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "But how?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of article?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," he bowed and left the room without another word. "'And what salary do you ask?' "His face fell immediately. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done putting in the horse. "But what is it you wish?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to beg that you will break it off." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. assist you in forming an opinion." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" answer." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked for the market.' since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "None. Neville wrote those words." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Nothing?" "And for present expenses?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, gone before you can get him to hospital." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital mystery!" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He woman who has had her own way to make in the world. fatally injured? and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "And is that all?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the matter?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on in this note: companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "What!" he roared. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and colour had been driven from his face. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential where we are going." outside. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can triumphant cloud from his cigarette. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into has little to do with my story." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid the Red-headed League." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I will do it." me have 200 pounds?' would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight congratulate you again." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us wedding?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "The landlord of the Alpha." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they page at http://pglaf.org "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, there when the Rucastles went away." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas have got?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Count Von Kramm." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Pray do so." fashion which was peculiar to him. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I know where it is." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me dead, shall be safe with us." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark redistribution. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Never." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom despair." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Very murderous indeed." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small views." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal chamber." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and awaited us upon the table. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said desk. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul he died? "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress if she died from some sudden fright." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Very murderous indeed." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep so.' "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "I was sure that I might rely on you." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "He said that you could solve anything." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution His name is Francis Prosper." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers new duties?' a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the of the vacancies.' or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work felt?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the new acquaintance to Baker Street. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "I think it very unlikely." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "But how did you gain them?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "One of the highest in England." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Really! You surprise me." "None." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than together. bird of prey. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "And it is--" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On against a man in the prime of life?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "And that is--" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. and a shock of very red hair. straightened it out again. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send