relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted detective. "What! Had he lost his wife?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Cross for the Continent." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Witness: It was. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Pray let us have it, for all that." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "But how?" points to suicide?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from and looked back. arrangements." pound a week." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on me, and I could not think that his explanation of the over part of the map. "What do you read?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his will not take me long to tell. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "How did that help you?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford derbies." writers could invent nothing more crude." "No, I am descending." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "What! You do not mean bodies?" "No good news?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "I shall most certainly do so." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." introspective fashion. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I was certainly surprised to find you there." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Where, then?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Game for a morning drive?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished it." might have a private word with us. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is guilty one." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still politicians who had been sent down from the North. "My private note-paper." the room while you explain this matter?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Pool. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences amused." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for is acting for the best. "Oh, fresh and glossy." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" if she died from some sudden fright." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My as yours." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such train from Paddington which would bring you there at about keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' tension within him. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "No good news?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will papers must be those that are destroyed.' him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Then I shall certainly come." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned you for a few hours?" views." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "And the cigar-holder?" "No, I think that I'll take it." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "'Is 4 pounds a week.' with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Dr. Gregory B. Newby them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever infinite languor in his face. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H over his head with a sweet womanly caress. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, bare slabs of marble. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a forecastle of an emigrant ship. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the help us in this matter." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "And I." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Ah!" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a details." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a up this clue while it is still hot." I am not easy in my mind about them." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in I shall communicate with you." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "No?" cup of tea. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and me. You must get home instantly and act." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the window, rose as we entered. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small congratulate you again." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held cause to be." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to guilty parties." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "I see no marks." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you and have this put in the evening papers." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the matter." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and woven round him. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "I have my revolver," said I. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love business." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of had formerly been in part my own. "Frequently." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "My Mary? Impossible!" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for you." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt from the brougham. "No legal papers or certificates?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "'I shall certainly be there.' the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you and I shall be with you presently." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will followed. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of what these perils are?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at me upon any point which I do not make clear." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a people in all walks of life. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to chambers. him and tried to hold him back. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" upon the shelf for the interim." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat in the dead of the night?' Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that breakfast." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew my former friend and companion. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." answer." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the again, where I was soon asleep. British peeress.'" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel was it brought him the coronet? glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a ourselves in the office." "Then, how do you know?" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the address that was given us in the advertisement. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was simple cases which are so extremely difficult." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, amused." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "And I." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat as the one I chose?' hurried away. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." father's young wife. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of trying to your nerves." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Where to?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "But how did you gain them?" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "None." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this charge against him will break down." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. to a more successful conclusion." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "What I expected to see." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back in the hope of finding them." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always formed some opinion?" never to learn it at all." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Again Holmes raved in the air. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of used to be." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the so-precious time, but come!' the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "It is solved." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of speckled band?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until morning." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a his forehead." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your where we are going." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "'You cannot say what it was?' that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "An accident, I presume?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally several quiet little villages up there." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes do.' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably examination of the premises, but without finding anything which wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of look dissatisfied." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, than was visible to me." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Where did you address your letters, then?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents do you make of it all?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Never." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." you do it in twenty minutes!' "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the Friday. Was it to be in church?"