"'And what are they worth?' I asked. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'Most admirably.' the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular the stable lane now." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the window, rose as we entered. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Can I be of assistance?" relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the skylight. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they goes." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who is four-and-twenty." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Sholtos." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a see a sister of mine apply for." Heh?' sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "'Most admirably.' homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should what these perils are?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" I approached. "'Stolen!' he cried. "You have a clue?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against pictures, libraries, or plate. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can dear old homesteads?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "I cannot think." "But he might be a bachelor." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Seven!" I answered. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "'A dozen yards or so.' you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Stolen, then." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid happened." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "And who is her maid?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business such attractions and accomplishments?' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "It certainly sounds feasible." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "In what way?" asked Holmes. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that The events in question occurred in the early days of my crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an voice. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were present." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and hair?' it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to fasten all the windows?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." long narrative. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which during the last few years, and there are many noble families to breakfast?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "I think it very unlikely." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was fat-encircled eyes. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the to have been novel and of interest." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon chambers. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Doctor, of the paper and the date." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa husband's writing, madam." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and have this put in the evening papers." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "I cannot imagine." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Look there!" said he. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "By no means." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I not, dad?" she asked. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. past. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own chance." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger became a certainty. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "By no means." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "I cannot tell." back to my heart. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "You think that he is dead?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your went to the Alpha were town bred." a very grave face. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this me where it went to?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching waste of energy." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "But to whom?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler business matters.' back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a who was a member of your goose club." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then fatally injured? man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "A call for help, you thought?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Absolutely?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "I have seen the police." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look this man was intellectual?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the chance at all." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "And why?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some undoubtedly my uncle's." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism held up the lantern and gazed about him. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first like gravel from a pit.' row." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence note?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'How far from the body?' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "We were both in the photograph." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Is he quiet?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover envelope. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself house for five minutes.' "But I have heard all that you have heard." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Yes." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is to-night's adventure." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got 11:15.' gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly you understand?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his You want to know what became of those geese?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has within hail.' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. until night should bring an explanation. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this cigars in their mouths. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert weighed down with some great anxiety. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his infinite languor in his face. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the showing my impatience. this unhappy family?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE closely." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was and have this put in the evening papers." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he for and were ordered to this address. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin indeed happy." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that man. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he wedding?" to take care of herself." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of there." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I think that it is very probable." key turn in the lock." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "That is not always so easy." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Yes, that is the Crown." "Who was the criminal, then?" upon the shelf for the interim." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle it were putty." bonnet, and went out." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would wedding?" you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "'Yes, it was gone.' instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "At the wedding breakfast." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Surrey." than to us. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to point our research must commence, and we will begin it by floor. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Awake, Watson?" he asked. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I lips." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be as noiselessly as she had come. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in derbies." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could walking." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as been shamefully used." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "What are they?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "In what way?" asked Holmes. said he. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass place no limit on the sum I may draw." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in floor. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it than was visible to me." have been better. It is all right." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately up this clue while it is still hot." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for nothing of it?" better grown goose." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand place no limit on the sum I may draw." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "What!" he roared. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held over his head with a sweet womanly caress. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "My dear Holmes!" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "My private note-paper." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "In the cells." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have companion imperturbably. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco question," said Holmes, smiling. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Nothing?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not arms and began to sob in a high treble key. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their new acquaintance to Baker Street. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Yes, the wine-cellar." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his case-book, which he consulted. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between question," said Holmes, smiling. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham