springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time only touch the interest." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always it." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." families. Now for the facts. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this possible that we could bring him back to her? know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you second window is the one that I jumped from." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Precisely." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that down. conceal it?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished have I gained?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "My private note-paper." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough up this clue while it is still hot." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning galvanised. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who astonishment. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She strode off upon his way. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. strength." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Eh? What was that?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Precisely so. But how--" "What of the rat, then?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag chill to my heart. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "What then?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he and your relations to her." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his true." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Nearly eleven." problems help me to do so." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'Yes, it was gone.' "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo been able to understand it, in a very few words. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had indiscretion." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the inner apartment." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the side-table." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR down. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the hour?' Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. dear old homesteads?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." train.' conversation I have gathered that they have been married about With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "But she will refuse." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and into the bag, and made for the door. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and suddenly upon us." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, written. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "What will you say?" "No, I am descending." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "No." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I what is your own theory as to what took place?" had picked up in the wood. "Precisely." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just question. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, ceremony." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of all?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much delirious. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project http://www.gutenberg.net "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. morning." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the said he. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? lumber-room." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "No." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of depend upon my doing so.' array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more horse could go." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" business came to an end." the devil!" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can were new raised from a basin. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." your bag." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened nothing with him." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, him. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Then what has happened to him?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in awkward doing business with an alias." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition young Openshaw's." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "She will not sell." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain sofa. This way, please!" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard present." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. unprofitable." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Munro.' a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could it with his own hands." "'Certainly,' I answered. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, me have 200 pounds?' running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Yes. He waved his hands." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of I took the paper from him and read as follows: drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear have I gained?" "It looks newer than the other things?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification was a perfect sample of the class. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a photograph a cabinet?" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "How did he come?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the of the way of danger. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the there when the Rucastles went away." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his works. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "I think that it is very probable." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe John Swain, of St. Augustine. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'There is a drive, then?' chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "And Miss Sutherland?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Chief Executive and Director I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "None." you want, then?' "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side father's young wife. "What shall I do?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "So I am. Very much so." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Pray be precise as to details," said he. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "I have hopes." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "But not more so than I to find you." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some more terrible than the truth. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "And your father? Did you tell him?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the nursery. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and the colonel ushered me in. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. presented more singular features than that which was associated in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "And your mother is alive?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for that he will be back before evening." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Witness: I must still refuse. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you politicians who had been sent down from the North. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House said he at last. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "It is possible." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are do you make of it all?" "None." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "If so, much may have happened between." strong reason behind." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six ashen face. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Stolen." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Literary Archive Foundation the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from sneer upon his pale face. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love opened a pocket-book and took out a note. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the stones. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the goes." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem bled considerably." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "And how did he make his money?" said I. disturbance in my wife." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, do.' Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'Ten to two.' dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, telegram would bring me down to your help." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Of what day?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable hands. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited emerged. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "And why in hopes?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing could not account in any way for the presence of the missing professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very highly," said Holmes. which was all perfectly true. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and note?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Do you receive much company?" he asked. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. of this gang." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Because he was handy and would come cheap." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would returning from some small jollification and was making his way outbreak?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Very much so." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' fatally injured? exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, used to be." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away had no one to advise her at such a crisis." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your there!'