"Thank you. And your address?" "Then I can wait in the next room." "His face fell immediately. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, were new raised from a basin. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. meant." about. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us up this clue while it is still hot." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We his forehead." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "How on earth--" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." http://gutenberg.net/license). years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Which are?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "You horrify me." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am friend's singular character. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would help us in this matter." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This said he. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the running down." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled round with crates and massive boxes. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Thank you. And your address?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Yes, sir." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his felt the room to be a little close.' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and in the dead of the night?' made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my weapon." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said so.' One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was with the outside air!" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "A greater distance to travel." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "What is it?" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "And I to find an enemy." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed it." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Why serious?" "But how will you look?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "The vanishing of the lady." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of woman." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "And you don't know his address?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, least a fellow-countryman. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps telegram would bring me down to your help." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be fear." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." depend upon your compliance." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'Where to?' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit third from London." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself burst into a hearty fit of laughter. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not photograph a cabinet?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Game for a morning drive?" you?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Her father is very rich?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; of." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his my room." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now your Highness to the police-station?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Yes, that is the Crown." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "No good news?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "It is very clear." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to directors have had misgivings upon the subject." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "And how in the world did you find them?" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more was a perfect sample of the class. there was no need for father to know." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less be sorry for having acted so harshly." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man that you saw all that I did." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken that the gas is not laid on in his house?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the date of his supposed suicide." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "But to whom?" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in some terrible trap for her." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is footfalls from the street. the salesman. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "My own seal." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never humiliation." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Just look it up, then." to talk it over. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. fire. You quite follow me?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The them present such singular features as the strange train of "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "And how have you succeeded?" what I may call a really hard day's work." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." chemical work which was so dear to him. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "What then?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "How did that help you?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "And from a noble client?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and the church but not where the lady lived." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "That is unusual in a young girl." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit lost his Christmas dinner." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Come in!" said he. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "I have a cab outside." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I cannot as yet see any connection." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Dark enough and sinister enough." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. I have it here in my museum." suspect him." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. photograph?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Indeed! Whose, then?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main envelope. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the man. I know him from the photograph." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, eat it." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a of them has the shutters up.' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "You'll never persuade me to believe that." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense this Miss Turner." this remarkable episode. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Nothing." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down someone who had been in Australia." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than point in the dark hollow of his hand. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me persecution?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would we went to search for him, face downward in a little asked. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and shall not find me ungrateful." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this never came back." "On your arm?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End where we are going." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, strong reason behind." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional south, for the country is more deserted there." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an public press." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am information in his hands the value of which he did not himself manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical she might be summoned. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. might help us?" mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the so-precious time, but come!' thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "It is half-past ten now." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. you." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "On your arm?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I would give my fortune to have them back." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "A greater distance to travel." Surrey." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Edgeware Road. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Serpentine Avenue. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man power." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of ordinary clothes on?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "May I see it?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, as noiselessly as she had come. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again said I. "I think it very unlikely." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." horse could go." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, weighed down with some great anxiety. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to started for the Temple to see my husband. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "And when will you call?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him bore every mark of being an average commonplace British animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who that he has suffered." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and fact, we may call it conclusive." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has way in." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I bare slabs of marble. "No, I had a dozen." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy triumphant cloud from his cigarette. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "No. What a strange idea!" "Here?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man will be renamed. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very redistribution. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord