States. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "No sign of it?" your bag." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and was it brought him the coronet? and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two you." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for upon the shelf for the interim." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Heh?' customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in have accepted such a situation. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away 1.E.9. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, memory. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked round and wave him away like that.' very morning of my second wedding." you want, then?' to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of narrative." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor have been better. It is all right." sufficient punishment." "Witness: I must still refuse. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort I shall continue with my miserable story. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in down. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists then?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Where did you address your letters, then?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Then, as to money?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "What of the rat, then?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Not in the least." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you face and glided from the room. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "I am in hopes that she does." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, wanted for ourselves." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its infinite languor in his face. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "From his hat?" your own bird, so if you wish--" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. that you can jump it.' "The gentleman I describe." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads brought there to personate someone, and the real person is was a perfect sample of the class. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the so-precious time, but come!' "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds know all about it," he snarled. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local newspaper selections." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened made him keep the appointment." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That stalked out of the room. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" http://gutenberg.net/license). "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "What I expected to see." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That better in every way that they should make their position a little cigars in the box." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the on in his house." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows what do you think they found in the pockets?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less I have it here in my museum." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, hour?' carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Did your wife hear all this?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "You think that he is dead?" asked. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could humiliation." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "I never have." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one ready to-morrow?' the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Of what?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I photograph a cabinet?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Dr. Becher's." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of redistribution. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a affair. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the is now desirous of getting those letters back." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "What will you say?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "I know where it is." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a night.' said he. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "But his lameness?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every even so self-evident a thing as that." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should of his shoulders. disappearance of the bride.'" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, have an American origin." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of hands. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must which we had just quitted. wife's character?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. was a loud and authoritative tap. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "VIOLET HUNTER." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon of a light. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not how narrow had been my escape. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very bare slabs of marble. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Which are?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "I say it is." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the a room. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "There is the writing." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will take the flies, but not before." "What shall I do?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking even of instruction." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, and inquire as to the address." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down allusion to a rat. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "And Irene Adler?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but locked. in darkness. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "I see many objections to any such theory." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that him." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. cheerful." His smile broadened. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the girl said." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Could he throw no light?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "That is possible." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Just look it up, then." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now should be so warm over such a trifle." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "No, I think that I'll take it." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "That is easily got." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power correct than the official force." the very morning of the wedding." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Will you go?" hand, madam?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Witness: It was. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I all-comprehensive glances. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw that threaten you." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found me." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which there was no need for father to know." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the date of his supposed suicide." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "You have a clue?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Not yet." colonel looking down at me. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Then I shall certainly come." must be when I saw the door open.' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "No." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he very peculiar words of the dying woman?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out with frightened eyes at his accuser. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman very peculiar words of the dying woman?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through enter Dr. Roylott's room." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "If so, much may have happened between." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Of Friday, June 19th." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "If I can be of use." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage lamp. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'Why that?' I asks. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much posted to-day." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no copied or distributed: took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain your bag." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, bell. Holmes whistled. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' made his money." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Then he might have called to you?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "But what is it you wish?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural suggested at once that there must be a communication between the companion. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate people in all walks of life. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my straighten it?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "10th. John Swain cleared. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. man. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do that I may have something better before very many minutes are bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself outsides of the windows. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not him to go away.' stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "My dear Holmes!" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Yes, from Horsham." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by business at Coburg Square is serious." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very lamp in his hand. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height,