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of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "It is solved." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were This is what he says: and I shall be with you presently." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I gives a meaning to it." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "I say it is." have had none more fantastic than this." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "You did not overhear what they said?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our allusion to a rat. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as gentleman's clothes. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Yes. He waved his hands." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Do you know him?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." awaited us upon the table. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." you." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away experiences." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'Yes, I promise.' In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "But his lameness?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on quite distinctive." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "But I have heard all that you have heard." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he mystery may be cleared along those lines." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but bird of prey. too. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in useful material for showing traces. The double line a little the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit I approached. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Do you receive much company?" he asked. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the down. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "'Ample.' lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean followed. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Two days later this same performance was gone through under possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "9th. McCauley cleared. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little of Fenchurch Street." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" clanging. weighed down with some great anxiety. advice." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'Yes, sir.' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "No good news?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "You think so, too?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my posted to-day." "Which are?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common cup of tea. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. upon the shelf for the interim." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her certainly do as you advise." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but whole matter to your consideration." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a together. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to is so. I know all about McCarthy." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was I shall continue with my miserable story. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "What shall I do?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to salesman. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close which should have the effect of calling the attention of the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the coronet in his hand?" was shining brightly. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Of what day?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "No." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he key of the affair now." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, something of him before." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. official police." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The think, you have already met." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a to that open window." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All The King stared at him in amazement. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I will do it." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "And help." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I think that I had better go, Holmes." ago." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man deduce something from that?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to newspaper selections." meanly of me." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "How often?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching the coronet at all injured?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of of your young ladies.' gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "But how?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Never to return." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from good for you to do.' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. is now desirous of getting those letters back." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Was there a secret marriage?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. friend's singular character. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Well, some hundreds of times." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott that you wished to speak to me?' Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole brought there to personate someone, and the real person is trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do this unhappy family?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the guilty one." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from was once confined in the cab my mission was practically are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his you." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the general public were present, then?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may to Leatherhead. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to over his head with a sweet womanly caress. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague individual and becomes the badge of a society." compunction about shooting them down." horse could go." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the His name is Francis Prosper." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such place no limit on the sum I may draw." "An enemy?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then chance." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "What shall I do?" "Yes, it was twisted." call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Did you become engaged then?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the it." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Pray do so." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from that?' were new raised from a basin. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the crowd. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for I have it here in my museum." Holmes' thin, eager face. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an becomes even more simple." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT to me. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "'Oh, no.' "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "You have but to name it." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my married her." what do you think they found in the pockets?" down. to tackle the facts." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' there in twenty minutes." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" that, and I came down." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom compunction about shooting them down." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at recall any case within my experience which looked at the first possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what that I can to serve you." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "What do you mean?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will come either from the window or the door. My attention was discontent upon his features. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. were wasted." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project your billet.' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Never." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner said I. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" results." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Street. Stoke Moran." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "What, then?" wife's character?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed have I gained?" "How do you know, then?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "None." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some that?' determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed call you and give you the chance." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London assist you in forming an opinion." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes her also." "Certainly." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. cigar and let me expound." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his power." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' face and glided from the room.