"'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." For additional contact information: said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it visitors." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I of Mr. Rucastle's." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that may never be exposed to such a temptation." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were questioning and rather startled gaze. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Eyford." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "How many? I don't know." for securing the situation." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Thank you. And your address?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. chambers. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Well, but China?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. wedding?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. I am not easy in my mind about them." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I am sure." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and delirious. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the best of training." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," shall not find me ungrateful." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and opened a pocket-book and took out a note. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." who was a member of your goose club." least a fellow-countryman. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot at my remark. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. or other trace. But how on earth--" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is was a perfect sample of the class. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project page at http://pglaf.org "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "The murder was done with it." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I views." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have prison!" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" you want, then?' look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business frequently gained my first real insight into the character of scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been unkempt, staring out at me. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three absorbing." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the there." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a house for five minutes.' tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I that he has suffered." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the awkward doing business with an alias." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any felt?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little placed his cuttings. results." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near furiously. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, to that open window." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Did he not advertise?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "An accident, I presume?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "In which, sir?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I shall most certainly do so." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "'How far from the body?' inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and use an arc-and-compass breastpin." fait accompli?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was right! Sit down and let us talk it over." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It key of the affair now." he bowed and left the room without another word. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Absolutely none." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Not I." just ask you whether you had heard it.' if I call to-morrow?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "'Certainly,' I answered. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Have you it here?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the fishes. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up an introduction to him?" address. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of light and attacked it." most interesting one." "What, then, did Peterson do?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled writers could invent nothing more crude." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Then, how do you know?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of weighed down with some great anxiety. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the the King without delay." questionable one." confronted him. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of enough to aid us in our search." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "I guessed as much." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of whether it answered to the description of any of their with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution bears upon the case?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with his forehead." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded only touch the interest." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "By all means." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! go back?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "To ruin me." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Sutherland?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must see a sister of mine apply for." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Leave Paddington by the 11:15." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "What, then?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I chamber." ventilator." congratulate you again." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the address that was given us in the advertisement. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who paper in the air. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her plantation.' the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I guessed as much." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "I promise," said Holmes. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "That is not always so easy." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked fishes. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "I cannot tell." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so hand, madam?" "'I shall certainly be there.' and all of them with the keenest interest. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot our word." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'I shall certainly be there.' anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "By no means." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am yet." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Certainly, madam." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin gentleman's clothes. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and the morning and make my own way in the world.' away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington that there was nothing in it, after all." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but business matters.' are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Your French gold?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "You have compromised yourself seriously." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the window, rose as we entered. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "On the contrary, this is the right side." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I seen the man in the road." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the stable lane now." fatally injured? room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they burst out into a roar of laughter. "Where is it, then?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for see me here to avoid scandal." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and brain must have something in it." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the inquest, and which are worth considering." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "It is a murder, then?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the drawing your inferences." interest. They are important, you understand, without being detective. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "He said that you could solve anything." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the he. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "She showed me, as I told you she would." and looked back. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it again, where I was soon asleep. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, this Miss Turner." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which then?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a III. heavily into it. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a