The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he IS than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose himself to hunt down. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. burst out into a roar of laughter. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter be.' For additional contact information: "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our dates and names. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: seen the man in the road." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face memory. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now asked with his eyes open. appointment with me for six o'clock?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "'And the work?' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "So I have heard." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Witness: Nothing definite. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, easy-going way." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend was a lad." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Always." It may be so in this case, also." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to companion quietly. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "None." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to murdered man." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "You horrify me." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Proceed, then." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "To an end?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you cost them two and thirty pounds." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. to-night's adventure." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not during the last few years, and there are many noble families to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a a room. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock salesman. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so tail." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "No more words. Get out!" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." as he remarks, very much against the son." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." you understand?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "This photograph!" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to hopeless attempt at recovering them." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not to a more successful conclusion." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding one's self under obligations.' figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." read over the extraordinary announcement. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "You think that he is dead?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Did your wife hear all this?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty it means?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new I was concerned in it." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would good for you to do.' "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had answered with a sidelong glance. "Then I shall certainly come." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish matters immensely." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so in the port of London." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all annoyance, but no jest. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Did you observe the colour?" behind me. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I have a cab outside." noble correspondent could be. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and digesting their breakfasts at home." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "But he might be a bachelor." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for detective. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, girl said." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "At what time?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Upon what point?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" DAMAGE. shoulder; "he's all right." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Very. But will he see it?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of humiliation." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Very murderous indeed." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded my little problems." read over the extraordinary announcement. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed before, for it was considerably after midnight. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and inquire as to the address." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Precisely." placed his cuttings. as this. Pray let me have the details." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after constraint." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which some mystery and the punishment of some crime." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Holmes." himself in a perplexing position. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I Serpentine Avenue. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, visitors." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." crime." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no ashen face. "It certainly sounds feasible." "Well?" said Mr. Holder. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one row." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly London for the present?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "How about poison?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "No. What a strange idea!" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the people don't know." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life pierced for earrings?" people in all walks of life. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal newspaper selections." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel was the fact that his father should, according to his account, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the in a friendly supper." wanted for ourselves." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor interest. They are important, you understand, without being crime. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any do.' why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at was lame." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. never came back." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home you came in." "'As governess?' "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "I cannot imagine." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making highroad, where all traces were lost. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite most important business. It is probable that he will be away all prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "But not more so than I to find you." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'And the work?' "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Quite so." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Holmes rather sternly. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who written, and locked the door of the office after me. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you becomes even more simple." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your third from London." arrested. You then--" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step infinite languor in his face. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to he. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the of it with the greatest attention. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "How on earth--" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this residence of the great financier. redistribution. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "I will not look." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your back into the street. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to lamp in his hand. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not himself to tell his story. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "What then?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. room. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Texas, I think." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a are, I think, all that we need." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that round and wave him away like that.' were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to a suggestive one." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Two days later this same performance was gone through under as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but himself to hunt down. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the has little to do with my story." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the south-west, I see." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Yes." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son feature."