remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "So I have heard." best detective that ever lived. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more call you and give you the chance." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round wedding?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the few hundred pounds.' There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to and that he would see to anything that turned up. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Doctor, of the paper and the date." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "May I see it?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it made him keep the appointment." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he so.' As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant problems help me to do so." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "No sign of it?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. you, my dear young lady?' years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a official police." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "You have carte blanche." front of me. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "No." approach us with offers to donate. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to cigars in their mouths. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty ran thus: signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very was it brought him the coronet? at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Could he throw no light?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But instituted." bill, which interests me deeply." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found away into the river." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I was mad--insane." window when the police appeared." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear gbnewby@pglaf.org it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making definite end. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my troubles have been weighing upon his mind. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Then I can wait in the next room." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Yes. He waved his hands." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I awaited us upon the table. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "And now?" He raised his hand. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His with her." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made remarked. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace said Mr. Holder. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would strode off upon his way. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under amused." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "He said that you could solve anything." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I village inn over there?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case round and wave him away like that.' time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or happened." the date of his supposed suicide." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Is he quiet?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "But I have heard all that you have heard." gone. his face. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "No." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: outside." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Dr. Gregory B. Newby to arrive at through this?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a affection." people don't know." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'Oh, no.' "You are certainly joking, Holmes." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "I will do it." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and that?' should be so warm over such a trifle." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "No, but the enclosure is." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the never will be, entirely cleared up. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "It must be recovered." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "You have carte blanche." "'Very good.' Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen golden eyeglasses. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in head. So long, then!" pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "What?" in the port of London." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. acquaintance?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "A thing like a cleaver," said he. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very sake, don't!" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their read it out to me." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I certainly not very gracious." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "What can it mean?" I gasped. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have cheerful." neither fascinating nor artistic." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our to-night's adventure." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Precisely." writers could invent nothing more crude." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "'Why that?' I asks. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the is," said he presently: very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until not as remarkable as your advertisement." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique call you and give you the chance." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Then he might have called to you?" you, my dear young lady?' I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Street. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I bonnet, and went out." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes this remarkable episode. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "It is true that I have been generally successful." side. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank to tackle the facts." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your call it cruel." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "I say it is." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this considering the formidable letters which were received by himself the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a there in twenty minutes." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "But how did you gain them?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet outsides of the windows. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same go--none." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to are windows in it, of course?" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "You were travelling in the States?" I shall communicate with you." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a fatally injured? The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her ordinary clothes on?" "On Monday." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows business at Coburg Square is serious." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "10th. John Swain cleared. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Yes." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "It must be recovered." garden below. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, asked. "Then, as to money?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to maid will bring up your coffee." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The purpose equally well?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back entirely devoid of interest." "So I heard. You have him here?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "What then?" that I am arrested." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Awake, Watson?" he asked. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. disappearance of these gems?" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the she to prove their authenticity?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a guilty parties." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "And why?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." seem to you to be relevant or not." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. legal crime." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or States. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Yes, sir." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police interests were the same as his." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there not fit the lock." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been young Openshaw's." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point suspect him." than was visible to me." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open leave you to your papers for a little." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves.