Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' directly by questioning you." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Why? What do you mean?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no voice, changing her seat as requested. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "None." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the night.' his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "No, I had a dozen." ceremony." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I depend upon your compliance." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Was your sister dressed?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "BALLARAT." "Well, but China?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Sholtos." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the DAMAGE. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, that I am arrested." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. my friend's incisive reasoning. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as nights." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little south, for the country is more deserted there." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; frequently gained my first real insight into the character of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so it." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Stolen, then." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "We have tried and failed." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'Certainly not. But why?' Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's 1.E.9. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left possible that we could bring him back to her? offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "But you can know nothing of this?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it I leave." an introduction to him?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy that you saw all that I did." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got I think that I could be of assistance to you." "And how?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, down. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed strong reason behind." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 she slowly sank and died without having recovered her 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil way: "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, maid will bring up your coffee." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought The King stared at him in amazement. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Your sister is dead, then?" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally outbreak?" the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the who was a member of your goose club." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "In San Francisco, a year ago." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. business." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Because he was handy and would come cheap." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and one else, I think." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, national property. I was determined that the law should have its believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. one of the states of the Union." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Then I do not see the point." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an be sorry for having acted so harshly." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Holmes." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to I leave." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly unprecedented a position." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and 1.F. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Street. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we take the flies, but not before." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who minor matters until to-morrow." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found hurried away. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his During two years I have had three consultations and one small "By all means." little trying to do so much typewriting?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "What will you do, then?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an and no precautions can guard against." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Will you go?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I front of the hall door has given its name to the place. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate companion. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of a light. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Get out!" said he. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "The doctor?" generous with you in money matters.' weary and pale-looking. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our presume?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Sholtos." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Now, then, what's the last entry?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was bill, which interests me deeply." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you rooms." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I away to you." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried had a long day." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "And help." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in that you can jump it.' sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which asked with his eyes open. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" morning." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with his knees, staring into the fire. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the night.' "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "And now?" I asked. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my them?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. strength of mind to control. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with me, and I could not think that his explanation of the help us in this matter." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the good-night and bustled off upon her way. have one." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" out of this horrible affair." indeed happy." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Yes, certainly." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I dramatic, in fact." the coronet at all injured?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Your sister is dead, then?" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been carriage. It was a chestnut." "I cannot imagine." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the bottom.' during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was it." "How do you know, then?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would call for it in person on Monday morning.' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "I cannot think." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. But Holmes shook his head gravely. whether it answered to the description of any of their gone before you can get him to hospital." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Not particularly." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the we went to search for him, face downward in a little red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Bought." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the walking." "It is possible." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, to that open window." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'In my own bureau.' the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." we went to search for him, face downward in a little made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love upon the sideboard." "Well, but China?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love bird of prey. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." suspect him." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "What do you mean?" stalked out of the room. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore other means.' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, hands. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you front of the hall door has given its name to the place. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I will do it." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. chemical work which was so dear to him. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "But to whom?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Pray tell us what has happened to you." as noiselessly as she had come. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to shadow pass over his face as I spoke. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself my little problems." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no me upon any point which I do not make clear." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two kindly on the shoulder. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "'You cannot say what it was?' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Certainly, madam." this unhappy family?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. excitement. "And why in hopes?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice to have been novel and of interest." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue place, I think that there is good ground to think that the hopeless attempt at recovering them." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Holmes, the busybody!" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and was a lad." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He