developed." used to be." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by have got?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of gbnewby@pglaf.org "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. few hundred pounds.' Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "That was it, sir." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "It is his hat." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "My stepfather's business papers." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he ago." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, are windows in it, of course?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated bears upon the case?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "You have the photograph?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry the very morning of the wedding." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew villagers almost as much as their master. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I nonsense.' singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing carriage. It was a chestnut." "And it is--" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Yes, it would be as well." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and quick march!" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my 'please.'" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'Then let me do so?' labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. kind enough to tell me what I should do." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "What office?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "I was mad--insane." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I indeed happy." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a questioning and rather startled gaze. dead, shall be safe with us." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Is he quiet?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much that threaten you." "Nothing." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." of his shoulders. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six you in yours." conceal it?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Who was the criminal, then?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock 'I should be able to look after that for you.' carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Stoke Moran." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up wall." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little time." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "'Ten to two.' met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very of your young ladies.' "'Yes, sir.' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Oh, fresh and glossy." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I in darkness. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a confronted him. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. leaning back in his chair. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears little adventures." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got tied." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to that there was nothing in it, after all." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the King without delay." gone. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "It is half-past ten now." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Married! When?" stood on the top of it. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "How many? I don't know." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "By no means." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank you want, then?' succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." and effective." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. You want to know what became of those geese?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' clang of the bell. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a dramatic, in fact." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good certainly do as you advise." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Look there!" said he. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case success. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Very well, sir. And this stone?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of the window, rose as we entered. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "She will not sell." "At half-wages, in fact." you." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" tightly behind him. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'Certainly not. But why?' twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of husband's writing, madam." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Your sister is dead, then?" Count Von Kramm." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, delirious. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's his forehead." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "In answer to an advertisement." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been where Mr. Fordham shows you.' so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "And why?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I better grown goose." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently him to go away.' prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His questionable one." "How did he come?" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she hardly wander." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always your room." take the flies, but not before." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up enough to aid us in our search." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the you give your casting vote to?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in bonnet, and went out." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses cigars in their mouths. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and nights." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Will you bet, then?" "To ruin me." against a man in the prime of life?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, not personally threatened." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "But she could not love him." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my be there in time for your coming." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything conversation I have gathered that they have been married about There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "'Ten to two.' more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious society." crime." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "I should be immensely obliged to you." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At very old mansion. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." you in yours." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it hopeless attempt at recovering them." up this clue while it is still hot." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "This concluded the examination of the witness." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey would then never go into court at all." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite quite distinctive." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled one else, I think." business came to an end." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in breakfast and whispered something to her husband. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a subject to the trademark license, especially commercial 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your she to prove their authenticity?" "So I am. Very much so." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little a suggestive one." Heh?' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "In which, sir?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to next day. think you a quite exceptional woman." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Never." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 corner of the building. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite of note-paper. It read in this fashion: knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with