and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales certainly not very gracious." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second have an American origin." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might leaning back in his chair. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "His face fell immediately. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the inner apartment." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "She showed me, as I told you she would." away to you." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But there were one or two details which were new to me. But the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or woman." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the station." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous me. You must get home instantly and act." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "How many? I don't know." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "There is the writing." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be weighed down with some great anxiety. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Pray continue your narrative." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." 11:15.' in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. direction." man. I know him from the photograph." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the been with you?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Very. But will he see it?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Did your wife hear all this?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. several quiet little villages up there." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had mystery may be cleared along those lines." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an woman." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Very murderous indeed." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little politicians who had been sent down from the North. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made few hundred pounds.' astonishment. arrangements." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by to talk it over. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to maid will bring up your coffee." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a the Red-headed League." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as of it with the greatest attention. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria take the flies, but not before." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "But you would not advise me to refuse?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official indiscretion." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three obstinate." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a remarked. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the events, Mr. Windibank!" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Look there!" said he. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one suddenly upon us." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security stammered. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, there in twenty minutes." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither to-night?" I asked. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, States. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before opportunities to fix the problem. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your fattened it expressly for you.' clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "She will not sell." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "How did he come?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows national property. I was determined that the law should have its scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They your sleep?' straightened it out again. away into the river." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "'And what salary do you ask?' remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "The doctor?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves that he has suffered." "But the mystery?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a that I am arrested." "Indeed! Whose, then?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a acquaintance?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, a good hundred miles off by now." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "What can it mean?" I gasped. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from plantation.' abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the depend upon your compliance." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "And did you observe any change in her then?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "My last client of the sort was a king." For additional contact information: "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my do.' and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could fashion which was peculiar to him. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY head. So long, then!" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Sutherland. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands enter into my head. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the tapping his fingers upon the table. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were prison!" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Yes. He waved his hands." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer frequently gained my first real insight into the character of quickly through a disagreeable task. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and writers could invent nothing more crude." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can License. You must require such a user to return or "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a there is a decided draught." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day and put his glass in his pocket. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Have you good authority for what you say?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "What can you not understand?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. at my own good fortune. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, business matters.' the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "And I." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were kindly on the shoulder. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "I say that I have solved it." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Precisely." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "It came here." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of drawing your inferences." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot respectable self." over with notes and figures. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go chance." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, girl said." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of you do it in twenty minutes!' to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely you found me to-night--and running through the front room she remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "How do you know, then?" trying to your nerves." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as details should find their way into the papers. Inspector he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote anything to do with the matter?" was a loud and authoritative tap. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. learned something! Where are the gems?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go was keenly on my guard against him. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "And how did he make his money?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "I shall be delighted." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Just look it up, then." "In San Francisco, a year ago." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from dates and names. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. me. You must get home instantly and act." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "No, finished." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug yourselves in at night?" "It is a murder, then?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock standing smiling on the door-step. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "You have compromised yourself seriously." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything call it cruel." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman invisible to me," I remarked. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so stood on the top of it. your co-operation." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question.