column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks should be taken.' "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "I will get her to show me." occupations.' maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I say it is." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, colour had been driven from his face. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard opened the door, and slipped through. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid thought that she would have been so carried away." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the questioning and rather startled gaze. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the iron safe, which he closed upon it. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, had a long day." purpose equally well?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open I nodded again. not within a twentieth part of the market price." vault. fled together." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked of campaign. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came it with his own hands." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice there in twenty minutes." row." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and persecution?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question lectures into a series of tales." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" derbies." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight my former friend and companion. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing straighten it?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out are, and they are waiting for us." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "But I have heard all that you have heard." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, signal between you and your father? "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in would apply.' "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. such person." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'Yes, I promise.' "I cannot imagine." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, views." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "What is it, then--a fire?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Was he the only applicant?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have the bottom.' Munro.' after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "I say it is." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and place, I think that there is good ground to think that the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "My Mary? Impossible!" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Chief Executive and Director "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' tear off another piece?' Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had chamber." "What, then?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "I cannot imagine." "'You cannot say what it was?' "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not them present such singular features as the strange train of and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he deduce something from that?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about just ask you whether you had heard it.' whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. had picked up in the wood. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a said he. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "And I to find an enemy." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, over part of the map. "What do you read?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but hopeless attempt at recovering them." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the general public were present, then?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the of the one which your family is now devouring." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. minor matters until to-morrow." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San writers could invent nothing more crude." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I emerged. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Never." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "But how?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot friends, not even his own brother. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "How often?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To make me his representative both with the servants and with the used to be." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was morning." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE the bottom.' assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he 'please.'" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "I fear not." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are ceremony." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "You are hungry," I remarked. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would said he. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "On your arm?" II. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear whatever might befall. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" invisible to me," I remarked. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a hair?' from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any sit on the left-hand side of the driver." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. never to learn it at all." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be I nodded to show that I had heard. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "He said that you could solve anything." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "A confidential servant?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. my friend's incisive reasoning. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "How do you know, then?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. fled together." copied or distributed: the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to served to weaken the effect. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's relief. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, security.' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent do.' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "How did that help you?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "And how in the world did you find them?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one pressing in one house as in another. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able whatever might befall. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the bonnet, and went out." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Just look it up, then." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "There are none." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "And is that all?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The charge against him will break down." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "'I have already given you my word.' who was a member of your goose club." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "'In my own bureau.' you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "What do you mean?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "You are hungry," I remarked. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Then what has happened to him?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to trifles." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the stones. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Yes." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Pray tell us what has happened to you." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "And the murderer?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to what do you think they found in the pockets?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I whereabouts. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed noting anything else of interest. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better gone. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "I am about to be married." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "And I to find an enemy." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "'Most admirably.' said I. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third was keenly on my guard against him. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for for and were ordered to this address. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Holmes' room. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Yes." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. once more. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Why serious?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Did you become engaged then?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "When did it break out?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "What do you make of that, Watson?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was wedding?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your