pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see opened the door, and slipped through. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "You forget that I know nothing about it." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "How do you know, then?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this carriage. It was a chestnut." events than those which have happened in my own family." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "The landlord of the Alpha." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I time." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as before, for it was considerably after midnight. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of to a light-house. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America papers diligently of late, have you not?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "My Mary? Impossible!" highroad, where all traces were lost. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the inner apartment." "'What do you call purely nominal?' and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "He said too much." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a you want, then?' in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "You have but to name it." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the confronted him. just called myself is not exactly my own." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "One of his hands." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk have got?" "But she could not love him." "I answered that I had not. in this way: "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have whether it answered to the description of any of their though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Young McCarthy must be got off, however." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient telegram would bring me down to your help." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "I have my revolver," said I. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent whether it answered to the description of any of their The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when distinguish the words: master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Whose house is it?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the floor. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I in one or two places in England?' quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "'About the same.' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "None." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "But how?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** intrusion of other matters." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of indiscretion." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the little opening for the ventilator is." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have she slowly sank and died without having recovered her directly by questioning you." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. away to you." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that his eyes and forehead. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Cross for the Continent." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had towards the blaze. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "What! Had he lost his wife?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'A dozen yards or so.' and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Henry Baker is a member." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "You have but to name it." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "What then?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any bare slabs of marble. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I the warnings." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser breakfast." case before our client came into the room." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Do you go out much in society?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my in him." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. relief. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the there is a decided draught." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming to some other building. until night should bring an explanation. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden think that any burglar could have done. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Mrs. Toller serenely. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business weary and pale-looking. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with was a loud and authoritative tap. "Did your wife hear all this?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where American. Then who could this American be, and why should he him nearly every evening." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts kindly on the shoulder. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Gutenberg-tm License. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "He might." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch desk. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a unprecedented a position." "And you can do nothing until then?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "That was it, sir." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and window when the police appeared." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer 'please.'" "VIOLET HUNTER." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "I will try. What is it?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Here?" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were retorted upon me, and I on you." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal with you alone." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just few hundred pounds.' Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' What do you deduce from it?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in relation between them, and what the object of his repeated are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Not in the least." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "It goes to the housekeeper's room." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "In answer to an advertisement." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all colonel looking down at me. imbecility!" he cried. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. cigars in their mouths. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "No." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before girl said." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Mrs. Toller serenely. "How did he come?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a business." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the official police." not, dad?" she asked. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an been able to understand it, in a very few words. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Not in the least." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that indeed happy." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Murdered?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Mrs. Toller serenely. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "And why in hopes?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for to surprise her." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Why did you beat the pavement?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Ah!" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I my room." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, and your relations to her." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Yes, from Horsham." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying case before our client came into the room." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and wanted for ourselves." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Why did you pick him?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Not in a good cause." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. crowd. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and a shock of very red hair. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the done what I asked you, Jones?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "It is possible." "One of his hands." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really present strange and interesting features that it is no easy there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. giving me time to thank him. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty them?" "And how have you succeeded?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, if only as a check to my own memory." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous