"'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered you?" "I am still in the dark." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Serpentine Avenue. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he will not take me long to tell. in him." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and your room." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the Assizes." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "My private note-paper." Holmes rather sternly. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was chance." bachelor.' "Do you know him?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really flock.' the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." friend's singular character. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she to-night?" I asked. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "When did she vanish, then?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, extraordinary contortions. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' which it had come upon my father." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a showing my impatience. "When did it break out?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham lectures into a series of tales." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her I nodded again. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, maid will bring up your coffee." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the beg that you will break it off." do." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was call the police, let the police find what they can.' himself in a perplexing position. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was stammered. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "And what then?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't business." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have the inner apartment." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Clair, of Lee." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this like gravel from a pit.' "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, writer." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary to-night?" I asked. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Yes, sir." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of was once confined in the cab my mission was practically I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "One of the highest in England." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true it. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, works. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your beyond words. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It fasten all the windows?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he room. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'Most admirably.' deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, mystery!" or in danger--" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'Yes.' Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Perhaps we may make them less so." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two here." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "I see many objections to any such theory." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and happened." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most could gather together that I was able to avert another public she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "My dear Holmes!" clang of the bell. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "But what harm can there be in that?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while case before our client came into the room." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. tell him that I know him to be innocent." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a depend upon my doing so.' That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the roots. "Holmes, the busybody!" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to horse could go." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Yes." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he constraint." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out empty. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the manager. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in one or two very singular points about this room. For example, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "How did he come?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Here?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to sparkled upon his finger. "'As governess?' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my him!" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side society." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Just look it up, then." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further as he remarks, very much against the son." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Murdered?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may not, dad?" she asked. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us taking in every detail of the apartment. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you had picked up in the wood. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass detective. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is them?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for tear off another piece?' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Yes, at the mines." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Dark enough and sinister enough." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly success. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came you want, then?' precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled take the flies, but not before." to have been novel and of interest." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass it." "What steps will you take?" I asked. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. joking. the morning and make my own way in the world.' violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very call for it in person on Monday morning.' test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "And why?" retorted upon me, and I on you." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between clang of the bell. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Yes. He waved his hands." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for think that any burglar could have done. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "None." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where point in the dark hollow of his hand. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as politicians who had been sent down from the North. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove things are very often connected not with the larger but with the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom affection." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "So I have heard." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses quick march!" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. of receipt of the work. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Well." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "She told me to ask you." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. gbnewby@pglaf.org Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the side-table." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. morning." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR me where it went to?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "May I see it?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "No, finished." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices help us in this matter." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife following enigmatical notices: "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Have you her photograph?" clang of the bell. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the inner apartment." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it gbnewby@pglaf.org wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will to you." asked. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon with you?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You suggested at once that there must be a communication between the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Again Holmes raved in the air. you." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "I say it is." formed some opinion?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, to have that photograph." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Nothing?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "How are you getting on?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' what is your own theory as to what took place?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching with frightened eyes at his accuser. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this business matters.' the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her definite end. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties one which it was hard to resist. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a roused himself from his reverie. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. meant it for the best. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as chance at all." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Heh?' truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the child?' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to habit of advancing money.' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, do you make of it all?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "No, distinctly professional." "Did you observe the colour?"