typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was me what he had done with the three missing stones. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some outbreak?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "But what harm can there be in that?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a breakfast." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the coronet at all injured?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he passage and a tap at the door. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "'Is 4 pounds a week.' and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter window when the police appeared." I shall communicate with you." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we one of them." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it he. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a know all about it," he snarled. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had from you?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "How on earth--" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "That is easily got." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the see a sister of mine apply for." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us during which he might have communicated with his friend the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "A confidential servant?" other means.' creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. companion. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes I leave." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired present." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to to-night's adventure." of this gang." key turn in the lock." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind perplexity from it to my illustrious client. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Chief Executive and Director would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it McCarthy's innocence. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Where is it, then?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious second." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Miss Holder?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much For additional contact information: and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the to surprise her." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. peculiar to him. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary tassel actually lying upon the pillow. attention." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in purpose equally well?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send entirely devoid of interest." "I answered that I had not. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "But how?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Yes, I have one waiting." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through me upon any point which I do not make clear." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "One?" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. undoubtedly my uncle's." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 voice, changing her seat as requested. "You don't mind breaking the law?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," in one or two places in England?' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Yes, they were peculiar boots." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or happened." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready one which it was hard to resist. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the devil!" "Your presence might be invaluable." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own right! Sit down and let us talk it over." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I am in hopes that she does." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "I will get her to show me." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'About the same.' subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Awake, Watson?" he asked. burst out into a roar of laughter. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "'How far from the body?' "A call for help, you thought?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which is acting for the best. "Yes." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and in his power. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to entirely lost his self-respect." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. invisible to me," I remarked. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Certainly, madam." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower in one or two places in England?' morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a I am not easy in my mind about them." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend examine." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to appeal." business?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended recall any case within my experience which looked at the first wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'I am sure that I do not know.' detective. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, questioning and rather startled gaze. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be outbreak?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even himself in a perplexing position. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to will find little credit to be gained out of this case." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission It was close upon four before the door opened, and a a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "I am following you closely," I answered. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's that there was nothing in it, after all." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert careless servant girl?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a have I gained?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' matter." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is is four-and-twenty." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "You think that he is dead?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "And now?" He raised his hand. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No you." are, I think, all that we need." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, you in your example." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper residence of the great financier. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "And how did you find out?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything cigars in their mouths. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. garden below. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient eavesdroppers?' method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Not yet." tear off another piece?' 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Nothing." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much drawing your inferences." "I was sure that I might rely on you." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Never." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, that, and I came down." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable down. the morning and make my own way in the world.' suggested at once that there must be a communication between the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Will you go?" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There of his shoulders. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "And when will you call?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "'What, the red-headed man?' "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up burst out into a roar of laughter. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a lost his Christmas dinner." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "The landlord of the Alpha." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Yes, all." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the nursery. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "My private note-paper." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I distinguish the words: stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his to-night." "But what will you do?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. certainly do as you advise." gone. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would I leave." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from secret." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the green of the new foliage. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "You don't mind breaking the law?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "It is no ordinary one." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he gentleman's clothes. "They are typewritten," I remarked. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "And who is her maid?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Yes." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the little opening for the ventilator is." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Yes, but only for you and me." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Pray tell us what has happened to you." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "But we can't all be." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry hard-headed British jury." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if if she died from some sudden fright." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a hardly wander." "Yes, from Horsham." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Of Friday, June 19th." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the 11:15.' quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Here?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the empty. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in residence of the great financier. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. disturbance in my wife." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in