With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I better in every way that they should make their position a little round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I footfalls from the street. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the confronted him. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? colonel looking down at me. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. prisoner's face. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. someone who had been in Australia." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'Yes, I promise.' which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, charge against him will break down." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. one's self under obligations.' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "This concluded the examination of the witness." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "My dear Holmes!" violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Could he throw no light?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" rat could hardly pass through." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate question you as to those details which seem to me to be most blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to McCarthy's innocence. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was death." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "But what is it you wish?" "What!" he roared. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we overpowering excitement and concern. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Certainly." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a purpose equally well?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." once more to my work. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Seven!" I answered. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I Heh?' to his chemical studies. grasp, he hurried from the room. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little him to be an active member of the medical profession." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to death." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Just look it up, then." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On British peeress.'" "It is very clear." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I said Mr. Holder. "None." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "It came here." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give events than those which have happened in my own family." take the flies, but not before." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was The summons was a brief and urgent one. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of my special province." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." mystery may be cleared along those lines." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his your sleep?' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get secret." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "My Mary? Impossible!" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this recover the gem." writers could invent nothing more crude." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and weapon." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Seven!" I answered. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love seen the man in the road." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't persecution?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb to tackle the facts." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to that you can jump it.' have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter flock.' at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "No?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position possible that we could bring him back to her? trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week ready to-morrow?' important." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "What office?" digesting their breakfasts at home." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But of them has the shutters up.' you give your casting vote to?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Imitated." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain it were putty." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked to affect your life." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the of Mr. Rucastle's." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." said he. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and away in different directions, and I went off to make my own purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the window, rose as we entered. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, populous neighbourhood." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him call you and give you the chance." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Not yet." Literary Archive Foundation "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Very truly yours, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the devil!" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Has he come with you to-night?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing up this clue while it is still hot." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so prison!" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Pope's Court. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Yes." long narrative. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' papers on the sundial.'" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'I have heard so.' Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "'I have already given you my word.' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" from you?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He fuss that is made over them." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Who was the criminal, then?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my crime. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' him to go away.' more solid." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "You think so, too?" Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Precisely so. But how--" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to closing the door. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business look dissatisfied." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a the loss of it. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "It is possible." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know in the port of London." said he. which our visitor detailed to us. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "But you were on a friendly footing?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock bore every mark of being an average commonplace British it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Come in!" said Holmes. be.' about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Well?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "And how did you verify them?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." them present such singular features as the strange train of superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, some terrible trap for her." for and were ordered to this address. not within a twentieth part of the market price." Leadenhall Street--and--" outbreak?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Which are?" quickly through a disagreeable task. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has never came back." becomes even more simple." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder constraint." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Whose house is it?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private all that?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Well, some hundreds of times." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, interest. They are important, you understand, without being "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I beg pardon." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Yes." "Then what has happened to him?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for if I call to-morrow?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he newspaper selections." "Dark enough and sinister enough." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to amused." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "10th. John Swain cleared. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the indeed happy." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. into the bag, and made for the door. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "And how have you succeeded?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with some mystery and the punishment of some crime." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This at my remark. province." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "A thing like a cleaver," said he. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "My photograph." as this. Pray let me have the details." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger of them has the shutters up.' Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." these bleak autumnal evenings." mystery." Gutenberg-tm License. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "You have the photograph?" 11:15.' Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where that I can to serve you." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "'In my own bureau.' Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "We must have a cab." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard your Highness to the police-station?" man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, locked. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' was not a bird to be seen there. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His said he. is," said he presently: that I may have something better before very many minutes are Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "And when will you call?"