Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Arthur Conan Doyle which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of you want, then?' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting telegram would bring me down to your help." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of unprofitable." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater guilty one." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "My dear Holmes!" "How are you getting on?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "But he might be a bachelor." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." fait accompli?" woman." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "What! a murderous attack?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the on re-entering her father's house?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up been deceived." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "That is possible." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "How did he come?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I father's place of business?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had you." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He business." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Always." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for papers must be those that are destroyed.' "It was an hour's good drive." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Pray let us have it, for all that." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his open." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during had a long day." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? way: dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "No." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you amused." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Pray tell us what has happened to you." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small to-night?" I asked. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was you in your example." off." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would I am not easy in my mind about them." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Was your sister dressed?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is and that he would see to anything that turned up. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "The vanishing of the lady." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small done what I asked you, Jones?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of all-comprehensive glances. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the again before evening." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all habit of advancing money.' necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Did you observe the colour?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "He slept on the premises." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I fear not." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Have you good authority for what you say?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and flock.' power." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in not fit the lock." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The suggested at once that there must be a communication between the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we really the only notable feature about the thing." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen ago." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my crackling voice. "Perhaps I have." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have helping a boy to put up the shutters. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any beyond words. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "I cannot say that I have." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my considering the formidable letters which were received by himself It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "No." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I salesman. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "No more words. Get out!" to-night?' "A confidential servant?" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul I shall communicate with you." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Well, it is a possible supposition." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the the devil!" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of brandy and water within his reach. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "And why in hopes?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. strode off upon his way. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "None." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "I was mad--insane." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "And who is her maid?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Not in the least." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "You were travelling in the States?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have pierced for earrings?" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "And what then?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and affection." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous that so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for matters immensely." chance at all." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Yes, from Horsham." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in be best to do. public press." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son chair. a good hundred miles off by now." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to and glanced through. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said shag which I had seen upon the previous night. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "It is solved." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the dangers which encompass me." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." second window is the one that I jumped from." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left the general public were present, then?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my there were so many in the whole country as were brought together however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the third from London." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." had a long day." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with key of the affair now." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Yes, from Horsham." village inn over there?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather for securing the situation." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "When did she vanish, then?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "She told me to ask you." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very upon the white wrist. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' present." companion. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three went to the Alpha were town bred." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'What are you doing there?' he asked. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He at my own good fortune. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing prison!" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Quite so." "What will you say?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Breckinridge is his name." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Proceed, then." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "There are none." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, answer." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would feature." chill to my heart. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, do.' "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot side. "'Certainly not.' and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, breakfast." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "'Then let me do so?' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I taking in every detail of the apartment. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Have you good authority for what you say?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "A call for help, you thought?" "You are all wrong." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "'Certainly not. But why?' Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "And leave your case unfinished?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he to-night's adventure." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the chair. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. in one or two places in England?' opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she charge against him will break down." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right