of note-paper. It read in this fashion: I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich answer." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Very truly yours, "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I once more for Briony Lodge. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Will you go?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off arrangements." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "What steps will you take?" I asked. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' fishes. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and arrested. You then--" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a once more for Briony Lodge. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "No. His orders were to stay in the house." leaning back in his chair. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' tear off another piece?' friend's singular character. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Eyford at 11:15.' you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a walking." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, gbnewby@pglaf.org hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Gutenberg-tm License. do." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I answered with a sidelong glance. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this returning from some small jollification and was making his way A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' you." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. there when the Rucastles went away." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an highly," said Holmes. my special province." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who like gravel from a pit.' Sutherland?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" companion imperturbably. mysterious business." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the ran thus: may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity already been minutely examined." your only hope of safety." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "'There is a drive, then?' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. foresight and the moral retrogression?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Do you go out much in society?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I http://www.gutenberg.net of Fenchurch Street." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER o'clock is it?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin business matters.' another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." chair. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me wall." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "How did he come?" "Yes." you in yours." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "What! Had he lost his wife?" like gravel from a pit.' knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he You can understand that this register and diary may implicate terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your several quiet little villages up there." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "No." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "I cannot say that I have." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Very good.' uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Very truly yours, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Watson," he said cordially. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained here and I will read it to you: of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some here and I will read it to you: "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "No more words. Get out!" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Absolutely?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from photograph a cabinet?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Witness: I must still refuse. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were detained." photograph?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "A call for help, you thought?" new duties?' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for tightly behind him. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in nothing of it?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk mystery!" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so key of the affair now." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the help us in this matter." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it gone before you can get him to hospital." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel were new raised from a basin. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his asked. "But I have heard all that you have heard." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Did you observe the colour?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he bed dies. Does not that strike you?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to good-night and bustled off upon her way. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, even of instruction." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "At what time?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That here and I will read it to you: be there in time for your coming." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Certainly." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "To an English lawyer named Norton." three of the beryls in it, was missing. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "She told me to ask you." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will which are rolled in Rotterdam." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "That is unusual in a young girl." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the him nearly every evening." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "So I am. Very much so." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have there has been an enclosure here!" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other said I. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our shoulder; "he's all right." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, detective. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while highroad, where all traces were lost. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying noble correspondent could be. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come some city in a dream. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be we went to search for him, face downward in a little companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the gigantic client. companion. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "I should be immensely obliged to you." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Yes?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. woman." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, girl said." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." read it out to me." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other yet." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have third from London." "But it has twice been burgled." "But you have hopes?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something how narrow had been my escape. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best salesman. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I purpose equally well?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "It was." "It looks newer than the other things?" had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Stolen." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "The rest you will leave in our hands." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but be sorry for having acted so harshly." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Entirely." my former friend and companion. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy at my own good fortune. Holmes' room. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like and the church but not where the lady lived." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very from you?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously down. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the read over the extraordinary announcement. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "It looks newer than the other things?" of Mr. Rucastle's." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Why? What do you mean?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover returning from some small jollification and was making his way given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "What is it?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his it means?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four what these perils are?" "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not following enigmatical notices: one of the states of the Union." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of whole matter to your consideration." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is have one." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of upon a handsome competence. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or himself in a perplexing position. read over the extraordinary announcement. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Stolen." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is intrusion of other matters." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Where does the thing come from?' over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's down in his armchair and closing his eyes. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of status with the IRS. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "My dear Holmes!" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he fluttered off among the others. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to back alive. six. Come in!" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Dr. Becher's." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." hopeless attempt at recovering them." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "You horrify me." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "No." and the church but not where the lady lived."