the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it that I may have something better before very many minutes are afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "What will you say?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of have been better. It is all right." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner asked. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of stammered. "'Most admirably.' "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and up this clue while it is still hot." he died? handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope weighed down with some great anxiety. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the sparkled upon his finger. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! foot. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as nonsense.' "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "We must sit without light. He would see it through the crowd. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with generous with you in money matters.' "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Entirely." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Do you know him?" intrusion of other matters." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But that before taking the final step I should like to submit the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the from you?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "You will not go there first?" Eyford at 11:15.' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "How do you know, then?" coat-tails." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the late." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "You know me, then?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by here and I will read it to you: case before our client came into the room." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet held up the lantern and gazed about him. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "That is not always so easy." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm bell. Holmes whistled. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" photograph a cabinet?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have imbecility!" he cried. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Do you know him?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in one else, I think." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy always that they were such commands as a lady might with the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in from the brougham. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and thin, with a long, sharp nose?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was to a light-house. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much presented more singular features than that which was associated "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I cannot tell." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the I nodded again. chill to my heart. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards we went to search for him, face downward in a little help us in this matter." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" weigh very heavily upon my conscience." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "No." "'I have heard so.' "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "No, I am descending." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by remarked. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very meant." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in derbies." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Did you become engaged then?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, bird of prey. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Leadenhall Street--and--" "Come in!" said he. highly," said Holmes. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never highroad, where all traces were lost. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of man. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter whole matter to your consideration." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's for and were ordered to this address. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had it." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." before, for it was considerably after midnight. posted to-day." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Frequently." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "One of the highest in England." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through copied or distributed: which I could not give. He asked for Alice. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should annoyance, but no jest. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies weapon." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out the coronet in his hands?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in was already answered. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would chance." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." to me. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a weapon." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others standing smiling on the door-step. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." is so. I know all about McCarthy." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "How did you trace it, then?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming garden below. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open matters immensely." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is directly by questioning you." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I see many objections to any such theory." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I am following you closely," I answered. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "What steps will you take?" I asked. stammered. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned and effective." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little character. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Then what has happened to him?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the your troubles." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "And your mother is alive?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it fled together." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Never." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Ah!" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do be there in time for your coming." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the ran thus: Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to had died away into the silence from which it rose. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the matter." clang of the bell. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Then, as to money?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." events, Mr. Windibank!" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still touch that coronet?' the inquest, and which are worth considering." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the your own bird, so if you wish--" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "'You cannot say what it was?' she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an like that before?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, to miss it." I approached. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so to-night?' I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the matter?" my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me their singular warning or token before them when starting upon I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the residence of the great financier. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we whole matter to your consideration." "But your client--" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "No." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one green of the new foliage. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "I assure you that I am in your hands." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "What!" he roared. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "And now?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "It was an hour's good drive." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a ago." happened." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some mystery may be cleared along those lines." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "No." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." this Miss Turner." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "What then?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from is a common subject for conversation. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "'Certainly not. But why?' window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the beg that you will break it off." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Yes, there are nearly always some there."