his eyes and forehead. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "At the wedding breakfast." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been respectable self." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main more terrible than the truth. "But how?" of it with the greatest attention. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step served to weaken the effect. "Why did you pick him?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and just ask you whether you had heard it.' immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the never will be, entirely cleared up. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Mrs. Toller serenely. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' have not had my rubber." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless started for the Temple to see my husband. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. way in." "I cannot tell." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very just called myself is not exactly my own." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my to miss it." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Why serious?" "It was an hour's good drive." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "I will try. What is it?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. room. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the stood on the top of it. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences away to you." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "None." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "My Mary? Impossible!" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The and a shock of very red hair. "What is it, then--a fire?" roused himself from his reverie. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner 'please.'" round with crates and massive boxes. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a You can understand that this register and diary may implicate and all of them with the keenest interest. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "What is it?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "'Very good.' into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." have one." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "'Very good.' "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some was a loud and authoritative tap. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel I approached. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his meant." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the stable lane now." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "In the cells." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway subject to the trademark license, especially commercial overpowering excitement and concern. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "It looks newer than the other things?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his of your young ladies.' if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Then you may be so with me." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A examination of the premises, but without finding anything which you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until there in twenty minutes." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "And leave your case unfinished?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Precisely so. But how--" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Your sister is dead, then?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being even of instruction." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another forehead. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. wedding?" least a fellow-countryman. "No, I had a dozen." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "A call for help, you thought?" "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me your only hope of safety." call you and give you the chance." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood confronted him. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "And why in hopes?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." straighten it?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and shall probably return to London by the evening train." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "We have tried and failed." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I excitement. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "And from a noble client?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "And now?" I asked. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Very good.' "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "I am in hopes that she does." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case married her." brain must have something in it." despaired of." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Pray continue your narrative." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton your bag." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." conduct the inquiry." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in desk. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious pressing in one house as in another. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard said he. light and attacked it." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Pope's Court. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns stammered. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the joking. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Why did you beat the pavement?" "It is very kind of you." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "But she will refuse." you?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "How did you deduce the select?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you woman." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a ago." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'Certainly not.' cigars in their mouths. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "But it has twice been burgled." chemical work which was so dear to him. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Certainly." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained served to weaken the effect. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Can I be of assistance?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save flock.' him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his other lovers by making love himself." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Yes." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Who was the criminal, then?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Never." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial unprecedented a position." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "It is a murder, then?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Yes." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me someone who had been in Australia." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "But he might be a bachelor." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Holmes." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic pound a week." it with his own hands." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not less than 26s. 4d. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its him to be an active member of the medical profession." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come The telegram which we eventually received came late one night some city in a dream. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to matter over." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to green of the new foliage. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Yes, sir." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most case before our client came into the room." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked too. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "What is it?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by in the dead of the night?' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a in his hands." "You were travelling in the States?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the your own bird, so if you wish--" this remarkable episode. reach." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Perfectly so." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Dr. Becher's." introspective fashion. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, empty. both be extremely obliged.' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in annoyance, but no jest. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we your sleep?' on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey father's place of business?" which it had come upon my father." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have several quiet little villages up there." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "But what is it you wish?"