companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, depend upon your compliance." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped was lame." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I was sure that I might rely on you." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the discontent upon his features. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Witness: Nothing definite. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you begin with, and I had not got mine yet." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just amused." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Yes." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I cannot think." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Will you go?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." meant it for the best. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any tightly behind him. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to bill, which interests me deeply." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent his forehead." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "What shall I do?" himself to hunt down. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "No, but the enclosure is." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "And you can do nothing until then?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying me upon any point which I do not make clear." down. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "To an English lawyer named Norton." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Then you may be so with me." giving me time to thank him. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain you." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as most interesting one." "I have a cab outside." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the one as in the other." hardly wander." through." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Does that suggest anything?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so "My photograph." in a very precise fashion." chemical work which was so dear to him. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, get the tickets." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "'Certainly,' I answered. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Perfectly so." to a light-house. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very trifles." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently make me his representative both with the servants and with the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed stammered. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the brandy and water within his reach. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "I have a cab outside." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must back alive. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the really the only notable feature about the thing." "It surprised me." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "'I have heard so.' Does that suggest anything?" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her putting in the horse. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "On the contrary, this is the right side." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" unprofitable." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water be there in time for your coming." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Precisely so. But how--" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather forebodings. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, maid will bring up your coffee." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "And why?" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he manager. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which him and tried to hold him back. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions one of the states of the Union." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air trying to your nerves." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of hour?' be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it again before evening." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "It surprised me." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "None." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a papers diligently of late, have you not?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Yes. He waved his hands." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I came to find a friend." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "It looks newer than the other things?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Yes." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time became a certainty. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, front of the hall door has given its name to the place. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "How can you tell that?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an spare." "At what time?" society." started for the Temple to see my husband. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls hour?' "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "How often?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. written, and locked the door of the office after me. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our obstinate." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we been shamefully used." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "But what harm can there be in that?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very to a more successful conclusion." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as of note-paper. It read in this fashion: suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but during that time.' second window is the one that I jumped from." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! indiscretion." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she photograph?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after sneer upon his pale face. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to of this gang." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I have come for advice." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "An enemy?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "That's no good." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from front of me. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Where is it, then?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria in one or two places in England?' her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "At what time?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with whatever might befall. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with them present such singular features as the strange train of "Yes, it would be as well." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass this poor creature." "One of the highest in England." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment late!' making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between colonel looking down at me. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them you in your example." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to never to learn it at all." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to writer." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the detained." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the empty. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the upon an income of about 60 pounds." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Here?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be evidence," I remarked. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Who by?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "It was an hour's good drive." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "I never have." is acting for the best. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that disappearance of the bride.'" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely forehead. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to in a friendly supper." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with over here." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'There is a drive, then?' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "By no means." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this vague figure huddled up in the darkness. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that had this final quarrel? But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that stood on the top of it. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you better in every way that they should make their position a little He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and overpowering excitement and concern. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the very morning of the wedding." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined upon the white wrist. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any this man was intellectual?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows I was concerned in it." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. ago." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been friends, not even his own brother. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' mysterious end." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to certainly not very gracious." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is