and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent fashion which was peculiar to him. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I tassel actually lying upon the pillow. like gravel from a pit.' slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of photograph?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way in. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon hand, madam?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring disappearance of these gems?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this http://www.gutenberg.net "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or in your London, you will know that the office of the company is slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I is acting for the best. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last papers diligently of late, have you not?" burst out into a roar of laughter. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's had formerly been in part my own. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the started for the Temple to see my husband. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to fishes. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive away into the river." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens his face which made him a very different person to the round, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. my special province." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to may never be exposed to such a temptation." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See before the coroner and the police-court." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the chill to my heart. she to prove their authenticity?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a an introduction to him?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special could gather together that I was able to avert another public told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so direction." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Then, how do you know?" "I will get her to show me." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." this remarkable episode. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking upon an income of about 60 pounds." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "That is not always so easy." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his peculiar to him. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Well?" an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt this Miss Turner." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Nothing?" followed. "You know me, then?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "We were both in the photograph." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat burst into a hearty fit of laughter. lamp. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and rooms." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Did he not advertise?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not train.' in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only imbecility!" he cried. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Holmes. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of who was a member of your goose club." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was his eyes and forehead. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened fatally injured? the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of him. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the even so self-evident a thing as that." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "But not more so than I to find you." the bottom.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss retorted upon me, and I on you." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about with you?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. introspective fashion. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely is now desirous of getting those letters back." know that the truth is known." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at sofa. This way, please!" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "My stepfather's business papers." "Your French gold?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. on re-entering her father's house?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "My dear Holmes!" Stoke Moran." "None. Neville wrote those words." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "No, I had a dozen." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Where does the thing come from?' his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of formed some opinion?" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "But what harm can there be in that?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel all-comprehensive glances. writing, and yet I know it well." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "'Never.' also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the side-table." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "How did you deduce the select?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little he. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who forbidden door. too. and all of them with the keenest interest. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with in darkness. fattened it expressly for you.' it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the key of the affair now." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met your sleep?' found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Yes, sir." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. eat it." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "And what then?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the best of training." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which considering the formidable letters which were received by himself an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my always that they were such commands as a lady might with day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far attention." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Pool. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely lectures into a series of tales." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "'And the work?' it were putty." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "And you don't know his address?" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I shall be delighted." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "9th. McCauley cleared. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "One?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Two days later this same performance was gone through under 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "'What then?' I asked. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your village inn over there?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "No." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "And how have you succeeded?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me already been minutely examined." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "I would pay ten." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he and no precautions can guard against." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or and prosperity to your house. Good-night." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his stepfather?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, October 9, 1890. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'How far from the body?' "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was morning." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in results." "Where did you address your letters, then?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Yes, only one." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'Yes, I promise.' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, which are rolled in Rotterdam." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "My private note-paper." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a The summons was a brief and urgent one. of receipt of the work. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; he. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "About a month then." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "You have the photograph?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "There is the writing." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of giving me time to thank him. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she green of the new foliage. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "What then?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "'And the work?' had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after of receipt of the work. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the go from here to the Strand." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in ways of our fellow-men." question. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Munro.' clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No