"None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Sutherland. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his see me here to avoid scandal." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. not fit the lock." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save coroner's jury." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have congenial hunt. of a light. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from begin with, and I had not got mine yet." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are little adventures." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were said I. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew you came in." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that that you can jump it.' be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in hurried away. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped touch that coronet?' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "What can it mean?" I gasped. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "And you thought he was pulled back?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of galvanised. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon there when the Rucastles went away." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. sake, don't!" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself point in the dark hollow of his hand. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my such attractions and accomplishments?' "An accident, I presume?" breakfast." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Yes, the wine-cellar." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "And why?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and few hundred pounds.' with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "No, my brougham is waiting." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "'About the same.' the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been him to go away.' and the church but not where the lady lived." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, daring than any effort of the imagination." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "How do you know, then?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Yes, certainly." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "And what then?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, the side-table." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. gbnewby@pglaf.org have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage him nearly every evening." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Frequently." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a paper in the air. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Entirely." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but must be when I saw the door open.' pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. chance." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "I would give my fortune to have them back." "What, then?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Get out!" said he. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. legal crime." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "He is still with you, I presume?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "No, my brougham is waiting." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. sake, don't!" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near with you alone." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. to have been novel and of interest." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But American. Then who could this American be, and why should he arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the you." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "It is possible." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I would give my fortune to have them back." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices my secret was safe in his possession. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that to-night?' felt the room to be a little close.' in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to few hundred pounds.' slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Texas, I think." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon with her." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles of a light. hard-headed British jury." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it how narrow had been my escape. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway with her." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Not yet." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the his forehead." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work that I am arrested." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to place of silver." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking skylight. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my rose-bushes. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for least a most suspicious remark." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes chemical work which was so dear to him. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story drove away. Dr. Gregory B. Newby aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is in the port of London." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Yes." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" hurried away. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable it." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. case-book, which he consulted. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. was a loud and authoritative tap. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. questionable one." Gutenberg-tm License. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without correct than the official force." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg perplexity from it to my illustrious client. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I past. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable to affect your life." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social mysterious business." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had would apply.' "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your anything to do with the matter?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Eyford at 11:15.' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set generous with you in money matters.' the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, coat-tails." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which not within a twentieth part of the market price." floor. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning so far?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "What then?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'Yes, sir.' and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very will find little credit to be gained out of this case." the tragedy. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," any more." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who to that open window." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "And when will you call?" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "It is possible." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Yes." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as upon the shelf for the interim." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil father's place of business?" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "And you thought he was pulled back?" friend's singular character. even so self-evident a thing as that." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Holmes rather sternly. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in relation between them, and what the object of his repeated light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his past. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." go back?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "The vanishing of the lady." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Of Friday, June 19th." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose know that the truth is known." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "And how did he make his money?" October 9, 1890. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found hair?' Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. success. prison!" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, client, rising. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. never came back." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of more solid." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the south-west, I see." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, fuss that is made over them." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "What, then?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make examination of the premises, but without finding anything which passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to do." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground,