us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a away into the river." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for case before our client came into the room." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in promised to bring home. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Pray let us have it, for all that." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the questioning and rather startled gaze. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest becomes even more simple." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She been with you?" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite orange pips. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my strange features which were associated with the two crimes which whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." been with you?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Yes, it would be as well." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every present strange and interesting features that it is no easy assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the Red-headed League." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "'Ten to two.' of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the whereabouts. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "We must have a cab." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a my room." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them have had none more fantastic than this." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my that he has suffered." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his cup of tea. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps sofa. This way, please!" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "It surprised me." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "And sit in the dark?" I held the little printed slip to the light. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "In the cells." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a important." beg that you will break it off." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered if only as a check to my own memory." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and some water from a caraffe. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "'What then?' I asked. in a friendly supper." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Entirely." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have you give your casting vote to?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, call the police, let the police find what they can.' hereditary King of Bohemia." them, and came down just as you departed. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "'I have already given you my word.' forebodings. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use felt?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "It is his hat." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot of." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her The note was undated, and without either signature or address. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss such attractions and accomplishments?' husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend the stable lane now." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their details." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." wanted for ourselves." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we bearing upon the case." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "I will try. What is it?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father fatally injured? of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a to-night's adventure." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite delighted to hear it," he said. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "'I have already given you my word.' tear off another piece?' children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A window when the police appeared." charge against him will break down." "Yes, but only for you and me." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "You are all wrong." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible skylight. "Yes." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "About a month then." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Certainly." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "You are hungry," I remarked. "But what will you do?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to and looked back. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "None." Doctor, of the paper and the date." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'Quite sure, dad.' grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four away into the river." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until me what he had done with the three missing stones. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I outside. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "And I say east," said my patient. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone said I. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, and capable of preserving a secret.' and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my remarked. cause to be." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "The best possible." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is gigantic client. I have it here in my museum." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, fattened it expressly for you.' records." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try to talk it over. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "'Oh, no.' photograph?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be had this final quarrel? been shamefully used." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few had a long day." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week time." "One of his hands." "'What then?' I asked. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my views." his knees, staring into the fire. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "'What, the red-headed man?' tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the pierced for earrings?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, I nodded to show that I had heard. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Perfectly so." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a clanging. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw populous neighbourhood." of." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. formed some opinion?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their annoyance, but no jest. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close not use it unless it is absolutely needed." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so shaken than I had ever seen him. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I at my own good fortune. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this States. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture his grey eyes. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must strong reason behind." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'You doubt its value?' he asked. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "In which, sir?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the just called myself is not exactly my own." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "I am sure." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. hand, madam?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "And that is--" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy own family. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out in his power. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Well." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "But I am all in the dark." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "And Irene Adler?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, present." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying three fields round his house, and there he would take his "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," may have an influence upon European history." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Certainly." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he you." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the shoulder; "he's all right." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Was she in good spirits?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have country, and eventually married, without anyone having a were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit arrangements." case before our client came into the room." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to threw himself down with his face to the pillow. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps arrangements." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But prison!" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "How did that help you?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the station." father's place of business?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the room while you explain this matter?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face do.' "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "And why?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place morning." "I never have." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll prison!" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'In my own bureau.' passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at she slowly sank and died without having recovered her despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "VIOLET HUNTER." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who business came to an end." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so them?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's go from here to the Strand." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side through." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "By no means." wedding?" "Upon what point?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "And how did he make his money?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "On your arm?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the 1.F. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, ready to-morrow?' thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "But you can know nothing of this?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "No, distinctly professional."