so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. advice." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could situation." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will that I may have something better before very many minutes are "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect success. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Why serious?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "No, my brougham is waiting." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could cheerful." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "What have you to say now?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way such person." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make confronted him. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" have got?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "My private note-paper." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "'What do you call purely nominal?' "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the little opening for the ventilator is." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "He is dead," cried several voices. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Yes." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Pope's Court. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the said he. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we bled considerably." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "How can you tell that?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Yes, but only for you and me." my former friend and companion. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." of it with the greatest attention. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. wall." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He both be extremely obliged.' off." "I am in hopes that she does." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "My photograph." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major must be when I saw the door open.' "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Nothing?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on begun to whiten, even as mine has." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: was already answered. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "What! a murderous attack?" "Really! You surprise me." "But what is it you wish?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "When did she vanish, then?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was hand, madam?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Whose house is it?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of of." "A greater distance to travel." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done fait accompli?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off ashen face. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with delighted to hear it," he said. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Certainly." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, garden below. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at definite end. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against good for you to do.' chair. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms closely." a good hundred miles off by now." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your asked with his eyes open. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we of a light. have not had my rubber." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "That is possible." "I know where it is." respectable self." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater directors, with the result that you have seen." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him good-night and bustled off upon her way. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "About a month then." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the best of training." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that main points of my analysis." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Never." the child." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, manager. it." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' you in your example." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in least a most suspicious remark." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "I say that I have solved it." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the here." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "And Irene Adler?" "'About the same.' "Where to?" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, IS down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the ceremony." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "But the mystery?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away there." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" tell them apart.' Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I not personally threatened." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to sentimental considerations in the background which would induce stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened than to us. soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Breckinridge is his name." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. you came in." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'I am sure that I do not know.' has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." prepare for the new role I have to play." to affect your life." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and is so. I know all about McCarthy." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Then I do not see the point." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, written. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties instituted." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "My dear Holmes!" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. started for the Temple to see my husband. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is present strange and interesting features that it is no easy half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure overpowering excitement and concern. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will very peculiar words of the dying woman?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "I am to be neutral?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, conversation I have gathered that they have been married about cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Stoke Moran." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "But I have heard all that you have heard." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A habit of advancing money.' "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the house with me." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "So I am. Very much so." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I round with crates and massive boxes. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further without a word or a look. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, back into the street. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 locked. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. bird I ate is country bred." amused." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "And what then?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since to have been novel and of interest." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to less than 26s. 4d. depend upon my doing so.' material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then him!" "We were both in the photograph." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "We must have a cab." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was something of him before." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "You are all wrong." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, get her out of the way." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought past. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture His smile broadened. one of them." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against think that any burglar could have done. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in me have 200 pounds?' on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire eavesdroppers?' between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "You think that he is dead?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong think you a quite exceptional woman." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the stones. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a to surprise her." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do all-comprehensive glances. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering my room." which we had just quitted. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I think that any burglar could have done. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said his forehead." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them on re-entering her father's house?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. knowledge of the world." "By no means." the address that was given us in the advertisement. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. lectures into a series of tales." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I one else, I think." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in