circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the infinite languor in his face. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the yet." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If learned something! Where are the gems?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "You are all wrong." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the warnings." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to tackle the facts." "In San Francisco, a year ago." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." conduct the inquiry." is so. I know all about McCarthy." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "And what did you see?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a amused." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the awkward doing business with an alias." have one." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "I say that I have solved it." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have think you a quite exceptional woman." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United his huge brown hands. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Precisely so. But how--" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met started for the Temple to see my husband. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has could not account in any way for the presence of the missing confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not records." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out for its centre. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "In the cells." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "How did you trace it, then?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which open." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "No legal papers or certificates?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" What do you deduce from it?" Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One becomes even more simple." brain must have something in it." "Is he quiet?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My quickly through a disagreeable task. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken done what I asked you, Jones?" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I shall most certainly do so." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, events than those which have happened in my own family." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the general public were present, then?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the people in all walks of life. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Proceed, then." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "You are hungry," I remarked. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I garden below. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you business at Coburg Square is serious." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come really the only notable feature about the thing." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes is now desirous of getting those letters back." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking keep the flames under. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "How about poison?" of it with the greatest attention. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Not him." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. arrangements." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Do you know him?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "And what did you learn from him?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the speckled band?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "There is the writing." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now seem to you to be relevant or not." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who against a man in the prime of life?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing he died? hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the excitement. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, row." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the think, you have already met." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the bed, and you in that chair." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "A call for help, you thought?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "'Never.' "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Farm upon the left." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now invisible to me," I remarked. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Leave Paddington by the 11:15." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "What do you make of that, Watson?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is wedding?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind fish-monger and a tide-waiter." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such peculiar to him. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "I have solved it." drawing your inferences." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. companion imperturbably. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford about. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a held up the lantern and gazed about him. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave point in the dark hollow of his hand. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Well, but China?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Certainly." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the of." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with from the brougham. been shamefully used." if only as a check to my own memory." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told to that open window." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, electronic works have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "It was an hour's good drive." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not really the only notable feature about the thing." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old entirely devoid of interest." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. straightened it out again. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Nothing?" Eyford." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored tell them apart.' window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and rooms." green of the new foliage. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, handed it to him. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Do you go out much in society?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "You have the photograph?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "In San Francisco, a year ago." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "No, distinctly professional." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Where, indeed?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have floor. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Pray continue your narrative." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "But you can know nothing of this?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back get the tickets." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug might help us?" this unhappy family?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Yes." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "At the wedding breakfast." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us some water from a caraffe. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "No, I had a dozen." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside It may be so in this case, also." the coroner come to?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Dr. Becher's." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, how narrow had been my escape. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons nonsense.' unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My