were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "'And the work?' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "She walked into the breakfast-room." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you secret." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "No good news?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. gone before you can get him to hospital." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "No?" row." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little that you wished to speak to me?' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' British peeress.'" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the are, I think, all that we need." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with the armchair which I pushed forward for him. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from bachelor.' However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I wedding?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when you." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call you give your casting vote to?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the his grey eyes. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from that you saw all that I did." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not mysterious end." villagers almost as much as their master. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "And the cigar-holder?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted only touch the interest." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, that he has suffered." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot never came back." to-morrow." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his know that the truth is known." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "My photograph." had this final quarrel? he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. politicians who had been sent down from the North. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I will not look." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Yes, certainly." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you generous with you in money matters.' to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The James Windibank. Voilà tout!" but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "From his hat?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." towards the blaze. "Who by?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her written. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." events than those which have happened in my own family." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "She told me to ask you." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'About the same.' "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I beg pardon." "Seven!" I answered. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" to some other building. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as companion. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Did your wife hear all this?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my before, for it was considerably after midnight. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Now, then, what's the last entry?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I should like to see him very much." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "What have you done?" asked Holmes. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the gone. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps writer." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and formed some opinion?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Come in!" said he. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some present." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'Most admirably.' and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "You horrify me!" words came to my lips. people don't know." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how indiscretion." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "What?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." this man was intellectual?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' even so self-evident a thing as that." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'What do you call purely nominal?' "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Holmes' room. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "What! a murderous attack?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. which we had just quitted. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Count Von Kramm." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Of Friday, June 19th." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it once more for Briony Lodge. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on particular state visit http://pglaf.org not personally threatened." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert important." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, than was visible to me." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a she has been waylaid. There has been no result." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations means taking possession of that which another person has a prior a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Pray do so." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already was a loud and authoritative tap. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & of the one which your family is now devouring." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "How often?" goes." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "And your mother is alive?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back see me here to avoid scandal." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have taking in every detail of the apartment. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Have you it here?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to as noiselessly as she had come. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of and your relations to her." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I have established a very serious case against the son of the outside." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." have been better. It is all right." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." brain must have something in it." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the little opening for the ventilator is." the side-table." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy been anything against him. He had for years been known as a over with notes and figures. and the whole place is in a blaze." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It business in the City. She little knew what. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Really! You surprise me." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Yes, certainly." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He very old mansion. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most such person." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to annoyance, but no jest. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you see a sister of mine apply for." "None. Neville wrote those words." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I at my own good fortune. not as remarkable as your advertisement." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid again, where I was soon asleep. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front looking up at the numbers of the houses." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences now. It seems that there had been some informality about their of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in standing smiling on the door-step. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought politicians who had been sent down from the North. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with once more for Briony Lodge. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he advice." orange pips. grasp, he hurried from the room. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in and the church but not where the lady lived." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the matter." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Literary Archive Foundation a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you awkward doing business with an alias." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained fait accompli?" window when the police appeared." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "By no means." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "And when will you call?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "I cannot imagine." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying dear old homesteads?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this only touch the interest." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "The knees of his trousers." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily enough to aid us in our search." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed interested in these little problems, and since you are good found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke the dangers which encompass me." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. For additional contact information: Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'Where to?' explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "I cannot as yet see any connection." system of imprisonment?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort purpose of examination. that "You have a clue?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could said he at last. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "No, distinctly professional." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but maiden herself was most instructive." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it garden below. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "How did you deduce the select?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always been able to understand it, in a very few words. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an father's young wife. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. you." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Nothing." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Never." "It surprised me." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Nothing." "It is possible." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our round with crates and massive boxes. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a