my special province." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "No good news?" trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an washing it down with a long draught of water. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the back to my heart. "Then you may be so with me." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I am still in the dark." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had for its centre. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as impression behind it as though a window had gently closed either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the me have 200 pounds?' exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "No good news?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Will you go?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop bell. Holmes whistled. discontent upon his features. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I am in hopes that she does." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "'I am sure that I do not know.' "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter to tackle the facts." McCarthy's innocence. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. the coronet in his hand?" the very morning of the wedding." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could unkempt, staring out at me. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Did your wife hear all this?" recover the gem." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "It must be recovered." "Yes?" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Frequently." whether it answered to the description of any of their "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Watson," he said cordially. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "An enemy?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "It goes to the housekeeper's room." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Married! When?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the inquest, and which are worth considering." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major other means.' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old think that he is innocent?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, I. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "But not more so than I to find you." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of in this note: pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon to that open window." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Mrs. Toller serenely. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely ashen face. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, said I. about here speaks of his kindness to him." crackling voice. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the present." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "He might." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Why serious?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Nor running a chance of arrest?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell meanly of me." "I never have." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you and the whole place is in a blaze." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Count Von Kramm." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting cigars in the box." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us might help us?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "What of the rat, then?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and again on its way. depend upon your compliance." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of the coroner come to?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "I promise," said Holmes. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "In what way?" asked Holmes. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very have established a very serious case against the son of the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "No more words. Get out!" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "You horrify me." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Yes, that is the Crown." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said introspective fashion. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I know where it is." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that appeal." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really writer." "Thank you. And your address?" tapping his fingers upon the table. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by and capable of preserving a secret.' "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "And who is her maid?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and with you alone." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' sound at heart." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, stalked out of the room. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "I say that I have solved it." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I ways including including checks, online payments and credit card following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him beyond words. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." chance at all." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end is acting for the best. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice horse could go." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an purpose of examination. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly foot. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. possible that we could bring him back to her? have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Really! You surprise me." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort colour had been driven from his face. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little married her." over with notes and figures. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and were unconscious?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Yes, that is the Crown." to have been novel and of interest." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "I assure you that I am in your hands." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "The vanishing of the lady." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I cannot imagine." "I am sure." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; washing it down with a long draught of water. place no limit on the sum I may draw." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I will, Miss Turner." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and and laid it on the table. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria be sorry for having acted so harshly." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "On Monday." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but key of the affair now." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new it." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' instituted." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman overpowering excitement and concern. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will there was no need for father to know." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and wait." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by nonsense.' which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'Very good.' fashion which was peculiar to him. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Did you become engaged then?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Your sister is dead, then?" all-comprehensive glances. his face. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Of what day?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem ourselves in the office." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Quite so. She has her freedom." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of not, dad?" she asked. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "'Yes, sir.' others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Come in!" said Holmes. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was manager. were new raised from a basin. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "And I say east," said my patient. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over front of me. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "It is solved." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your a little more before I quite committed myself. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that had formerly been in part my own. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs morning." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your forecastle of an emigrant ship. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a individual and becomes the badge of a society." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest woven round him. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "10th. John Swain cleared. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "And the murderer?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "We have tried and failed." vanished into the darkness. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Of what day?" and looked back. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "But your client--" you." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil October 9, 1890. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked room had already been engaged for us. and a shock of very red hair. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the warnings." read over the extraordinary announcement. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, voice. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not not personally threatened." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "It is solved." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, eat it." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb back to my heart. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Then how many are there?" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'Certainly not. But why?' rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered.