Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the bed, and you in that chair." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "But how could you guess what the motive was?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and in your London, you will know that the office of the company is c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." tension within him. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Yes, only one." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it read over the extraordinary announcement. cause to be." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry do.' hardly wander." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "We must have a cab." washing it down with a long draught of water. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was where we are going." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the security.' "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "What then?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a promised to bring home. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Not in a good cause." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, front of me. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his had formerly been in part my own. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "She told me to ask you." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Mary, has deserted me." held up the lantern and gazed about him. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "And what did you learn from him?" unclasping of his long thin hands. you?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Whose house is it?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of do.' "Dark enough and sinister enough." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and or in danger--" a very grave face. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell details." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a young Openshaw's." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; habit of advancing money.' difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they lost his Christmas dinner." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn an introduction to him?" ashen face. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove think, you have already met." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. I have it here in my museum." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense union?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual miles off. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your future lives." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'Stolen!' he cried. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the leave you to your papers for a little." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "It certainly sounds feasible." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "At the wedding breakfast." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Yes." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen neither fascinating nor artistic." hour." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at suggested at once that there must be a communication between the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You that there was nothing in it, after all." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not went to the Alpha were town bred." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. are windows in it, of course?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "None." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Two days later this same performance was gone through under entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me singular points about the case. What did the police think of the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and away into the river." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our you in your example." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' said I. were new raised from a basin. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." that threaten you." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Yes, sir." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been weighed down with some great anxiety. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me John Swain, of St. Augustine. the coroner come to?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Is he quiet?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Nothing." you want, then?' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Serpentine Avenue. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Get out!" said he. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO my little problems." "You horrify me!" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the 'please.'" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "And Irene Adler?" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked will be renamed. "It is very kind of you." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "How did that help you?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "And you can do nothing until then?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "The vanishing of the lady." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." asked with his eyes open. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." records." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from see me here to avoid scandal." "About a month then." made his money." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "At the wedding breakfast." possible that we could bring him back to her? do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge breakfast." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "'Why that?' I asks. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be politicians who had been sent down from the North. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Which are?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "My photograph." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Well." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Will you bet, then?" hair?' "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "And why?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his this remarkable episode. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our disappearance of the bride.'" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to feature." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "A confidential servant?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full arrested. You then--" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "This photograph!" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was presented more singular features than that which was associated Arthur Conan Doyle standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, was shining brightly. danger is over." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend of the vacancies.' nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "To an English lawyer named Norton." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "And you thought he was pulled back?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "But I am all in the dark." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I leaning back in his chair. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "'Entirely.' The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," away in different directions, and I went off to make my own transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is tied." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "It is possible." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." disappearance of the bride.'" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back you give your casting vote to?" "'Oh, no.' laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a not within a twentieth part of the market price." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed and prosperity to your house. Good-night." outside." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." infinite languor in his face. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Then I do not see the point." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely head. So long, then!" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such name is different." bedroom door." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged like gravel from a pit.' "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Dirty?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but considering the formidable letters which were received by himself behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted make me his representative both with the servants and with the highroad, where all traces were lost. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have get the tickets." "It certainly sounds feasible." writer." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the drawing your inferences." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before could gather together that I was able to avert another public pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at this unhappy family?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "But he might be a bachelor." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. a good hundred miles off by now." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Yes." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'Ample.' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "The Cedars?"