that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "What! Had he lost his wife?" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" once more for Briony Lodge. cup of tea. you want, then?' while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." situation." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the side-table." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day of campaign. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the lamp. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly plantation.' young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him better in every way that they should make their position a little "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the infinite languor in his face. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you our word." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him weighed down with some great anxiety. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able already been minutely examined." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this tell them apart.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Lee, in the county of Kent." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and laid it on the table. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric amused." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able seven miles from Eyford Station.' that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Here?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, had died away into the silence from which it rose. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "No bad?" married her." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "The best possible." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem house for five minutes.' "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" case-book, which he consulted. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? sneer upon his pale face. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the prison!" McCarthy's innocence. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Henry Baker is a member." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Pope's Court. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so companion imperturbably. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the was it brought him the coronet? "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" writers could invent nothing more crude." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical whole matter to your consideration." events, Mr. Windibank!" sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" jewels which you have stolen?' "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an enter Dr. Roylott's room." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do everything which you would wish to know." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He were wasted." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which fashion which was peculiar to him. row." Count Von Kramm." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of The King stared at him in amazement. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with the devil!" where we are going." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are passage and a tap at the door. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' right! Sit down and let us talk it over." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "But the mystery?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? From what you have told me I think that it is possible that dates and names. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, note?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "At what time?" "To the police?" desk. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I such attractions and accomplishments?' crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. when your master had gone out." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Not yet." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set girl said." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I closing the door. "I will not look." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to affect your life." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I am still in the dark." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, mystery may be cleared along those lines." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third so.' a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had unkempt, staring out at me. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK acquaintance?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "And when will you call?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "My dear Holmes!" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" and I shall be with you presently." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "The rest you will leave in our hands." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis indiscretion." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She most important business. It is probable that he will be away all to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in very old mansion. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with opportunities to fix the problem. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had him. "Married! When?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Very murderous indeed." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and tapping his fingers upon the table. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "None. Neville wrote those words." shoulder; "he's all right." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual once more to my work. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the to me. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "And leave your case unfinished?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Here?" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very me what he had done with the three missing stones. of receipt of the work. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Stolen, then." "But he might be a bachelor." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more strength in the others." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper your most interesting statement." "Perfectly so." congenial hunt. fluttered off among the others. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We this as likely?" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the one as in the other." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "That you are never beaten." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with absorbing." client, rising. foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with even of instruction." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to in him." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George you for a few hours?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with appeal." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily outsides of the windows. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was it were putty." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Eh? What was that?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. goes." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "To an English lawyer named Norton." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these gone. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "The Cedars?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of to you." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for upon a handsome competence. but preventing her from injuring another. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you emerged. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years trifles." could gather together that I was able to avert another public was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Was there a secret marriage?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." affection." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his into the room. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. nights." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. door?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of thirty. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they behind me. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it think that any burglar could have done. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, passage and a tap at the door. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or troubles have been weighing upon his mind. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "You saw the ventilator, too?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it depend upon my doing so.' search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean ran thus: a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. tapping his fingers upon the table. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Yes, all." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Witness: It was. train.' A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and