"We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can indiscretion." "That is possible." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Your sister is dead, then?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But said he at last. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid and glanced through. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called not personally threatened." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I night.' said he. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in a suggestive one." desk. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I the matter." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the very letters. But what is this written above them?' like gravel from a pit.' three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I was sure that I might rely on you." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "And when will you call?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden companion quietly. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I cannot say that I have." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to in a very precise fashion." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "So I am. Very much so." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "He slept on the premises." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of bachelor.' old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your case-book, which he consulted. "Of what?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? have accepted such a situation. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "How did he come?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Henry Baker is a member." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "At what time?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "So I am. Very much so." "No sign of it?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "When did she vanish, then?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Of what?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." 11:15.' Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here true." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord yet." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall there when the Rucastles went away." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Not social, then?" Holmes." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "We were both in the photograph." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Then he might have called to you?" fashion which was peculiar to him. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Holmes' room. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" 11:15.' back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same acquaintance?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found ordinary clothes on?" gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "None." jewels which you have stolen?' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips hard-headed British jury." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Your French gold?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "They are typewritten," I remarked. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Stoke Moran." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." overpowering excitement and concern. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Yes." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. joking. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Yes." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I carpenter." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "My opinion is in no way altered." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British to-night?' "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I shall most certainly do so." passage and a tap at the door. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'Is 4 pounds a week.' where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Yesterday." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I case before our client came into the room." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some wedding?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, reach." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in least a most suspicious remark." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and events than those which have happened in my own family." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'Yes, I promise.' gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand your Highness to the police-station?" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some fashion which was peculiar to him. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the night.' she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked prisoner's face. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of coroner's jury." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "But what will you do?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Then he might have called to you?" "And why?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "What then?" "That is unusual in a young girl." "Bought." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "No, I had a dozen." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "No. What a strange idea!" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "But the mystery?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "It's nothing of the kind." even of instruction." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and his fortune, and I went back to pa. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "By no means." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "'Never.' "And why in hopes?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "And why?" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room way in everything. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great of campaign. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, who was a member of your goose club." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and ourselves in the office." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already should be taken.' chill to my heart. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and works. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come tightly behind him. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the devil!" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "But how?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Then I shall certainly come." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project money should be paid at once.' total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband most interesting one." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "If I can be of use." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Dr. Becher's." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "And is that all?" "It is no ordinary one." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." seen the man in the road." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his some city in a dream. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Young McCarthy must be got off, however." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have at once, for I have only half an hour." followed. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether intrusion of other matters." good-night and bustled off upon her way. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more of fine shops and stately business premises that they really affair. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend again before evening." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She like gravel from a pit.' my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know For additional contact information: considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of said he at last. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave upon the shelf for the interim." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Precisely." "That is easily got." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Not in a good cause." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another prove to be little relation between the different incidents of her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Entirely." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know true." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by lumber-room." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story nice household for a young lady." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'Ample.' But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a to some other building. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the outside." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them closing the door. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel