mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just to-morrow." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been mystery!" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "How about poison?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced used to be." giving me time to thank him. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." copied or distributed: assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification as the one I chose?' he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "It is a murder, then?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Not social, then?" "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if generous with you in money matters.' "Very much so." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Only as much as we can deduce." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Where did he live, then?" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly approach us with offers to donate. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'And what salary do you ask?' education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "'Why that?' I asks. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, be best to do. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door papers." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "No." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "He said too much." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general papers on the sundial.'" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind least a fellow-countryman. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes a good hundred miles off by now." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" row." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." tail." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "I never have." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "And sit in the dark?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank not personally threatened." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove begun to whiten, even as mine has." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "It is to him that this trophy belongs." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "But how could you guess what the motive was?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" to change my dress. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand my room." see me here to avoid scandal." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "On Monday." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned with you?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I and glanced through. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced disappearance of the bride.'" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "There is the writing." to arrive at through this?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' The events in question occurred in the early days of my "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to 1.F. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Yes, that is the Crown." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Breckinridge is his name." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was on re-entering her father's house?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them simple cases which are so extremely difficult." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is bled considerably." "Nothing." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, if I call to-morrow?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the carried out of court." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were was a perfect sample of the class. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made pierced for earrings?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the upon the sideboard." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' always that they were such commands as a lady might with I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place do.' Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will some city in a dream. fuss that is made over them." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in handed it to him. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. power." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears that you wished to speak to me?' present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads became a certainty. http://www.gutenberg.net far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There will take you up to see the machine.' saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's fatally injured? as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the posted to-day." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of clang of the bell. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from fear." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the used to be." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. compunction about shooting them down." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her tied." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." than to us. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Not particularly." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, said I. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my answered with a sidelong glance. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Not particularly." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me upon a handsome competence. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten think you a quite exceptional woman." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a of them has the shutters up.' as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked you?" "Yes." the running down." there was no need for father to know." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so companion. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. know that the truth is known." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "I have seen the police." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "The gentleman I describe." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I will be renamed. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if recover the gem." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, towards the blaze. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Yes, it was twisted." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. within hail.' "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Surrey." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on John Swain, of St. Augustine. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all noble correspondent could be. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the roused himself from his reverie. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Murdered?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" himself in a perplexing position. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." yourselves in at night?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's it right.' morning." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your one of the states of the Union." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I train from Paddington which would bring you there at about read over the extraordinary announcement. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot could go. leave you to your papers for a little." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Ah, but I was recommended to you." business." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in key turn in the lock." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with enter Dr. Roylott's room." new duties?' "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "He slept on the premises." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' or in danger--" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of good-night and bustled off upon her way. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out frequently gained my first real insight into the character of waste of energy." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "We have tried and failed." "Certainly, madam." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" his eyes and forehead. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and definite end. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the iron safe, which he closed upon it. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me straighten it?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a kindly on the shoulder. note?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive detained." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "No, thank goodness, she did not." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the matter?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking married her." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the chair. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that