"'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and several quiet little villages up there." least a most suspicious remark." chair. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature disturbance in my wife." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "A client, then?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "And when will you call?" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time was a lad." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong again before evening." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged friends, not even his own brother. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Not in a good cause." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the general public were present, then?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Serpentine Avenue. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable This is what he says: again." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do bird of prey. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite into the room. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of some mystery and the punishment of some crime." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. what I may call a really hard day's work." "You know me, then?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Yes." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came was it brought him the coronet? than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag six. Come in!" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "It came here." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but useful material for showing traces. The double line a little instincts rose up against that laugh. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond in this way: description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I see many objections to any such theory." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears coat-tails." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "And the cigar-holder?" you." character. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the bottom.' heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt gigantic client. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Yes, only one." "Do you go out much in society?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be will be renamed. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this this remarkable episode. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will second." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or thin legs towards the fire. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, laugh and put his lips to my ear. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is money should be paid at once.' "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Yes." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest prisoner's face. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just delighted to hear it," he said. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this never came back." his cane at the bell-pull. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." dead, shall be safe with us." noble correspondent could be. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "I have solved it." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'You cannot say what it was?' time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it congenial hunt. are, I think, all that we need." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very My friend smiled. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Young McCarthy must be got off, however." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Really! You surprise me." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Why did you pick him?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Holmes." I nodded to show that I had heard. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any again, where I was soon asleep. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further DAMAGE. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' shoulder. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., nice household for a young lady." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Not him." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, I nodded again. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Was he the only applicant?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, weary and pale-looking. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Come in!" said he. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day laugh and put his lips to my ear. "In heaven's name, what for?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Where did you address your letters, then?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "I will not look." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "I was mad--insane." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, woman." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was morning." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do question you as to those details which seem to me to be most that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into of the way of danger. conclusions. "I am following you closely," I answered. said I. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Mrs. Toller serenely. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which like that before?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "'Certainly not.' know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "But you have hopes?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." said I. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "A client, then?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "I would pay ten." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little legal crime." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong maiden herself was most instructive." young Openshaw's." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had tell them apart.' of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Quite so. She has her freedom." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "The Coroner: What do you mean? would then never go into court at all." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with must compliment you." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. opened the door, and slipped through. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working John Swain, of St. Augustine. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "No legal papers or certificates?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Literary Archive Foundation their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "You forget that I know nothing about it." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." promised to bring home. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in behind me. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Dirty?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." society." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the coroner come to?" least a fellow-countryman. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "My dear Holmes!" there has been an enclosure here!" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the note?" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce I shall continue with my miserable story. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself been anything against him. He had for years been known as a For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to him. mystery." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Yes." miles off. way in everything. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Yes, it was twisted." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen in the port of London." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Just look it up, then." "What steps will you take?" I asked. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a hour?' There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much at my remark. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. long narrative. lamp in his hand. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I system of imprisonment?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." extraordinary contortions. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Chief Executive and Director active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch chambers. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial heavily into it. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "How did he come?" mysterious business." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Ten will be early enough." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "But of what society?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Were they all fastened this morning?" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't way in." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't kindly on the shoulder. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" I leave." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like you do it in twenty minutes!' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed I think that I could be of assistance to you." of it with the greatest attention. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated cigars in the box." that there was nothing in it, after all." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of again on its way. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought