sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she front of me. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, man. I know him from the photograph." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in you, my dear young lady?' "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Won't it ring?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "But you would not advise me to refuse?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "You have compromised yourself seriously." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to skylight. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he been deceived." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more I am not easy in my mind about them." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem question. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of salesman. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a in a very precise fashion." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "A confidential servant?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some through." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to said I. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those you in your example." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." events than those which have happened in my own family." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was strength in the others." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Then the page we have seen--" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "My own seal." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I cannot think." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the window, rose as we entered. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'Is purely nominal.' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently me have 200 pounds?' shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Entirely." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "She will not sell." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King obstinate." "And from a noble client?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our derbies." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we one's self under obligations.' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and as noiselessly as she had come. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation of the vacancies.' brought there to personate someone, and the real person is *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about his huge brown hands. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms shoulder; "he's all right." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "The best possible." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, purpose equally well?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "By all means." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss despaired of." three of the beryls in it, was missing. assist you in forming an opinion." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss occurred." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me to some other building. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while gone. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" bare slabs of marble. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was as he folded up the epistle. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." such attractions and accomplishments?' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before existence." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and papers diligently of late, have you not?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, all?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become one else, I think." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "And did you observe any change in her then?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while that the gas is not laid on in his house?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'Yes, it was gone.' It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, mysterious business." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand man. I know him from the photograph." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who where she found matters as described by the last witness. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Just look it up, then." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I and that he would see to anything that turned up. in this note: "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "And how?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, sparkled upon his finger. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted outbreak?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed standing smiling on the door-step. keep the flames under. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "What!" he roared. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Tired-looking or fresh?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and shall use the carriage to-night." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of believe that I should never have any practice at all. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a of campaign. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow union?" ourselves in the office." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Well, some hundreds of times." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "It may not come to that," said Holmes. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able him to go away.' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared did not hear it also.' and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "My photograph." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a and a shock of very red hair. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia envelope. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Clair, of Lee." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ prisoner's face. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Did he not advertise?" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do and a shock of very red hair. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, call you and give you the chance." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Yes, all." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to newspaper selections." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, have one." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Was your sister dressed?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for disappearance of these gems?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the roots. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers photograph?" it right.' unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. sneer upon his pale face. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Stolen, then." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project eavesdroppers?' I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. in one or two places in England?' compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'What then?' I asked. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your and looked back. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his was shining brightly. "'Certainly,' I answered. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" away to you." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "The murder was done with it." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No breakfast and whispered something to her husband. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if http://www.gutenberg.net ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable keep the flames under. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself peculiar to him. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "I will not look." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in mystery." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was think, you have already met." Foundation of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Look there!" said he. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." me. "So I am. Very much so." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "By train from Waterloo." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Yes, the wine-cellar." in this way: just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Pool. "Holmes, the busybody!" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar forehead. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "No, I had a dozen." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I empty. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea suggested at once that there must be a communication between the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Street. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "No. What a strange idea!" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'Certainly not.' "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "No more words. Get out!" "'I am sure if I had known--' blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "No bad?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." in the port of London." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a certainly not very gracious." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER jewels which you have stolen?' overpowering excitement and concern. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Certainly." "Ten will be early enough." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." your sleep?' claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "My dear Holmes!" across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have this man was intellectual?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "What! a murderous attack?" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'Is purely nominal.' obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, I. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have