to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your over here." him, that man would not have given me such complete information applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "If I can be of use." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this his cane at the bell-pull. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the coronet in his hands?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since particular state visit http://pglaf.org "But how?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet you in your example." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the address that was given us in the advertisement. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven I have it here in my museum." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in to me. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "You will not go there first?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Deserted you?" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The orange pips. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in how narrow had been my escape. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days past. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "'Most admirably.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Just look it up, then." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I have seen the police." and a shock of very red hair. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "No sign of it?" My friend smiled. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get you." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover that I may have something better before very many minutes are on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as locked." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "I think it very unlikely." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for at my own good fortune. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What read over the extraordinary announcement. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the inner apartment." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "I am all attention, madam." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the salesman. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one nonsense.' She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he said he. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "'I shall certainly be there.' affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who man. I know him from the photograph." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. go--none." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I tell me that you intended to go into harness." "What is it?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "How are you getting on?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was prison!" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you do." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for brought there to personate someone, and the real person is companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all where she found matters as described by the last witness. your billet.' 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait bell. Holmes whistled. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "He might." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "You saw the ventilator, too?" were unconscious?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be not interfere, come what may. You understand?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, which it had come upon my father." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that following enigmatical notices: shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." horse could go." man. place of silver." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is keep the flames under. "Oh, yes, easily." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and followed. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "And sit in the dark?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his whereabouts. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried do you make of it all?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the dangers which encompass me." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." been deceived." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "The gentleman I describe." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the new duties?' mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." with frightened eyes at his accuser. "How often?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Come in!" said he. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man fled together." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, invisible to me," I remarked. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Nothing." know all about it," he snarled. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Yes, that is the Crown." "And from a noble client?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It in. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on business at Coburg Square is serious." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "But your client--" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Foundation "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me matter." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are you understand?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "I have a cab outside." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the chair. knowledge of the world." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He wanted for ourselves." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from opened a pocket-book and took out a note. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the lost his Christmas dinner." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what meanly of me." it. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that back into the street. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was dead, shall be safe with us." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "You know me, then?" "Witness: It was. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If and that he would see to anything that turned up. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, formed some opinion?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "I have my revolver," said I. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor was feeling which was the fattest.' Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' back to my heart. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the come either from the window or the door. My attention was a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him hour." the stable lane now." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from sound at heart." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from to take care of herself." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "It is very kind of you." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this nice household for a young lady." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Countess of Morcar's?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of was a perfect sample of the class. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? may never be exposed to such a temptation." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let whole matter to your consideration." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." galvanised. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and where she found matters as described by the last witness. asked. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw to Leatherhead. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. he died? "9th. McCauley cleared. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was straightened it out again. the nursery. at once, for I have only half an hour." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business begin with, and I had not got mine yet." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, are, I think, all that we need." the room while you explain this matter?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to congratulate you again." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott highly," said Holmes. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "I should wish to." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who During two years I have had three consultations and one small it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements you do it in twenty minutes!' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in I nodded to show that I had heard. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "'Where to?' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "'How far from the body?' "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She comes from the middle window." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project said he. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It forebodings. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a his wife has ceased to love him." one which it was hard to resist. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in The King stared at him in amazement. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away