firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "He slept on the premises." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours awaited us upon the table. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "And sit in the dark?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters I shall continue with my miserable story. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman way in." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as behind me. the south-west, I see." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "It is his hat." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "No." spare." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "And I." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I nice household for a young lady." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that good for you to do.' it means?" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "At the wedding breakfast." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are answered with a sidelong glance. do.' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it tear off another piece?' What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon arms and began to sob in a high treble key. cigars in the box." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "I never have." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, discontent upon his features. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. done what I asked you, Jones?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "And I to find an enemy." to arrive at through this?" "Game for a morning drive?" lips." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "What are they?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "The rest you will leave in our hands." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Certainly." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the telegram would bring me down to your help." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. overpowering excitement and concern. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your important." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Yes, from Horsham." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Well." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in signal between you and your father? "No legal papers or certificates?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the tear off another piece?' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had to talk it over. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a his wife has ceased to love him." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a you in your example." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." face and glided from the room. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many morning." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "What! You do not mean bodies?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "In what way?" asked Holmes. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Married! When?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their of Fenchurch Street." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "You think so, too?" existence." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a lips." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "To the police?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Project Gutenberg-tm works. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I would pay ten." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Won't it ring?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed ashen face. suddenly upon us." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to is worth.' said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which away to you." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those it were putty." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a that I may have something better before very many minutes are the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "'It is locked up,' I answered. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you strength in the others." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. quick march!" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at sound at heart." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at you for a few hours?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Yes, but only for you and me." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief hardly wander." wanted for ourselves." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "I cannot as yet see any connection." It may be so in this case, also." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the you." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left charge against him will break down." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family amused." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the success. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. examine." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as lamp. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Then you may be so with me." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She knowledge of the world." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the bird I ate is country bred." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the extraordinary contortions. tapping his fingers upon the table. locked. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "What?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside following enigmatical notices: me. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and any little problem which you may submit to me." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis do." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been giving me time to thank him. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "You were travelling in the States?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm that threaten you." "On the contrary, this is the right side." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the a very grave face. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. generous with you in money matters.' it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the forecastle of an emigrant ship. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." wedding?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and strength." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, to arrive at through this?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will recover the gem." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "It was." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its unclasping of his long thin hands. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to situation." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Dark enough and sinister enough." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but presented more singular features than that which was associated speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have amused." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the should be so warm over such a trifle." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. new duties?' reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than 'I should be able to look after that for you.' there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "There are none." business in the City. She little knew what. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it certainly do as you advise." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of of it with the greatest attention. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped if only as a check to my own memory." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this spare." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both to some other building. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder invisible to me," I remarked. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and copied or distributed: everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Where, then, is my wife?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." more solid." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, became a certainty. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My indeed which he could not unravel. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we what do you think they found in the pockets?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. London for the present?" "Why, what do you mean?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long and the colonel ushered me in. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "How did you deduce the select?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." them present such singular features as the strange train of There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Lee, in the county of Kent." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "But he might be a bachelor." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But to-night?' Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "What then?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'Then let me do so?' "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by if only as a check to my own memory." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid in his hands." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time without success. At last the little money which I had saved began afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after that?' who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already dear old homesteads?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in things are very often connected not with the larger but with the dead, shall be safe with us." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "The doctor?" and all of them with the keenest interest. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "'Stolen!' he cried. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" tension within him. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight