can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the unclasping of his long thin hands. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father in him." For additional contact information: There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of he. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which pressing in one house as in another. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of approach us with offers to donate. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the and have this put in the evening papers." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence observed. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. you." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same hurried away. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall his fortune, and I went back to pa. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the driver. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" certainly not very gracious." "Thank you. And your address?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and delighted to hear it," he said. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any in him." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite own family. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "But she will refuse." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for in a very precise fashion." populous neighbourhood." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Pray continue your narrative." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "He slept on the premises." putting in the horse. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if lumber-room." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. showing my impatience. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" I held the little printed slip to the light. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "What! Had he lost his wife?" "And I to find an enemy." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his emerged. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you swore that no one else had been in the front room during the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." with frightened eyes at his accuser. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' with some details as to your case." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Mary, has deserted me." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "And Miss Sutherland?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but flock.' My friend smiled. house for five minutes.' bedroom door." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of will find little credit to be gained out of this case." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw without success. At last the little money which I had saved began remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, salesman. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have detective. unkempt, staring out at me. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as congratulate you again." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He correct than the official force." ceremony." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell footfalls from the street. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the stable lane now." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there and glanced through. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it once more for Briony Lodge. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "She told me to ask you." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "That sounds a little paradoxical." "It came here." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, was not a bird to be seen there. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance on in his house." "Yes, only one." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would article?" heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "No." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the date of his supposed suicide." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Did he not advertise?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "But you would not advise me to refuse?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with which was all perfectly true. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the stones. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Dark enough and sinister enough." "No." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend spare." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "It is half-past ten now." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door were wasted." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'And the work?' because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. of receipt of the work. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing guilty parties." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress advice." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when signal between you and your father? when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people geese which you supplied to the Alpha." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little begin with, and I had not got mine yet." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "But she could not love him." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Yes, but only for you and me." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the do you make of it all?" meanly of me." see a sister of mine apply for." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Not yet." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "'Is purely nominal.' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys walking." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Countess of Morcar's?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously ourselves in the office." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram these bleak autumnal evenings." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "By no means." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us your bag." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." tell him that I know him to be innocent." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the lamp. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of cheerful." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for may never be exposed to such a temptation." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "What steps will you take?" I asked. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the speckled band?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, you in yours." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his see a sister of mine apply for." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. your sleep?' smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "How did that help you?" events than those which have happened in my own family." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "But you were on a friendly footing?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' matter." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he was already answered. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself gives a meaning to it." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that chair. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all what is your own theory as to what took place?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for present." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish interested in these little problems, and since you are good an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler one's self under obligations.' ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be said I. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed taking in every detail of the apartment. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the trying to your nerves." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he cigars in their mouths. "My last client of the sort was a king." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother and effective." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a putting in the horse. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Stolen, then." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "And how did you find out?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. from the brougham. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most four million human beings all jostling each other within the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "I was mad--insane." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he obstinate." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Have you it here?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house must be when I saw the door open.' James Windibank. Voilà tout!" waste of energy." "She walked into the breakfast-room." possible that we could bring him back to her? sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our be best to do. be there in time for your coming." "Yes." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "He said too much." your own bird, so if you wish--" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at so.' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. one else, I think." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, father's place of business?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at is," said he presently: