her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the very morning of the wedding." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'What, the red-headed man?' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "But he might be a bachelor." to miss it." "And I say east," said my patient. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "And why?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Was he the only applicant?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped all?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker golden eyeglasses. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Eyford." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Where is it, then?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which happened." "No, I had a dozen." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in more terrible than the truth. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "And what then?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "My photograph." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he placed his cuttings. might have a private word with us. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." horse could go." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away definite end. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no business." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which question. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his new duties?' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Deserted you?" business matters.' the matter?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Leadenhall Street--and--" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, distinguish the words: gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case closely." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up strength of mind to control. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when call you and give you the chance." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out the date of his supposed suicide." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; could not have written that. It is the German who is so "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook newspaper selections." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "The Cedars?" "What then?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his During two years I have had three consultations and one small "'And what are they worth?' I asked. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and get the tickets." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's problems help me to do so." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is directors, with the result that you have seen." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one thirty. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, fasten all the windows?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, case-book, which he consulted. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open the coronet in his hands?" I. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the were unconscious?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Only as much as we can deduce." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Yes, it would be as well." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "An enemy?" "Then he might have called to you?" the night.' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project lost his Christmas dinner." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to You can understand that this register and diary may implicate salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "What can it mean?" I gasped. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker paper in the air. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of his face. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. shoulder. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably spark where all is dark to me." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I have a cab outside." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried one of them." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Yes." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an bird of prey. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" these bleak autumnal evenings." "It looks newer than the other things?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same off." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact just called myself is not exactly my own." I have it here in my museum." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to mysterious business." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the companion quietly. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Yes." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little maid will bring up your coffee." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Dr. Becher's." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! him. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, been." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and writers could invent nothing more crude." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," little adventures." "I cannot as yet see any connection." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of passage and a tap at the door. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "'Very good.' accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper later, upon the night of May 2nd." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, outbreak?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "But how?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with I approached. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with words came to my lips. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "None. Neville wrote those words." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the electronic works Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "You are hungry," I remarked. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position call for it in person on Monday morning.' attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'There is a drive, then?' Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "I don't say that. Perhaps." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the mystery!" some city in a dream. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The purpose of examination. when your master had gone out." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and were wasted." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" you." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may had picked up in the wood. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "'I am sure if I had known--' point our research must commence, and we will begin it by brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "What! a murderous attack?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in It was close upon four before the door opened, and a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my over with notes and figures. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was criminal. We have already had experience of such." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall appeared upon the scene." "None. Neville wrote those words." to some other building. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. examine." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg rose-bushes. "I cannot say that I have." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "And that is--" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in papers on the sundial.'" with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the loss of it. good-night and bustled off upon her way. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the British peeress.'" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "About a month then." "'What do you call purely nominal?' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too soul! here is her carriage at the door." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who advice." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "But you have hopes?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "The murder was done with it." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my next day. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Then I am your man." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." of your young ladies.' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "And did you observe any change in her then?" McCarthy's innocence. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated and glanced through. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. carriage. It was a chestnut." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, fasten all the windows?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. footfalls from the street. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear I shall continue with my miserable story. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to McCarthy." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "That's no good." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure trifles." "And that is--" trying to your nerves." who was a member of your goose club." "Why did you pick him?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My I. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying woman." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "May I see it?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who were wasted." "Then, as to money?" delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." correct than the official force." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an