human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must public press." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his feature." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "How do you know, then?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of as he remarks, very much against the son." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Then, how do you know?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his ordinary clothes on?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Where, then, is my wife?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even to affect your life." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an was lame." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to his forehead." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Sholtos." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "It surprised me." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took be. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when never came back." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which secret." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a easy-going way." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in photograph?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Witness: I must still refuse. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Pope's Court, Fleet Street." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I pictures, libraries, or plate. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to as noiselessly as she had come. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard in his hands." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Witness: It was. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I am still in the dark." morning." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the inner apartment." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the habit of advancing money.' saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the said I. Holmes' face clouded over. "Won't it ring?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before least a fellow-countryman. "Your French gold?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter respectable self." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the in him." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Which are?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the nice household for a young lady." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" writing, and yet I know it well." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "No." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "It is to him that this trophy belongs." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "So I am. Very much so." joking. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a breakfast?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The It was close upon four before the door opened, and a terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means in the port of London." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "'Never.' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "But what harm can there be in that?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever over here." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily as yours." "Texas, I think." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but to change my dress. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Gutenberg-tm License. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good drawing your inferences." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. over with notes and figures. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have know all about it," he snarled. handed it to him. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. outside. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but on in his house." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility speckled band?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into would apply.' "By no means." and a shock of very red hair. in the hope of finding them." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Well, but China?" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR hands. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that there!' "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "ARAT," I read. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. fact, we may call it conclusive." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" round and wave him away like that.' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an shadow pass over his face as I spoke. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and outside. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Just look it up, then." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps about. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "How did you trace it, then?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the danger is over." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "One horse?" interjected Holmes. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always noting anything else of interest. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really wanted for ourselves." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "One?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Then what has happened to him?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the one as in the other." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these whereabouts. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Not yet." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "You horrify me." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in neither fascinating nor artistic." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I be sorry for having acted so harshly." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." bears upon the case?" imbecility!" he cried. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the corner of the building. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "I think that I had better go, Holmes." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a few hundred pounds.' shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in name is different." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at horse could go." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the coronet in his hand?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and really the only notable feature about the thing." "Not in the least." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "You have the photograph?" "So I have heard." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your time." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten questionable one." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "None. Neville wrote those words." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ father's young wife. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. be.' "But not more so than I to find you." burst out into a roar of laughter. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was one else, I think." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a there was no need for father to know." go back?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of out of this horrible affair." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. room?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms is now desirous of getting those letters back." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any showing my impatience. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the in my life." official police." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' which it had come upon my father." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an test if we have an answer to our advertisement." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." strong and stiff." official police." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. cup of tea. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in very old mansion. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. have I gained?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I shoulder. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when again." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You sentimental considerations in the background which would induce him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "And what did you learn from him?" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." into the bag, and made for the door. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "The landlord of the Alpha." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a families. Now for the facts. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Was he the only applicant?" generous with you in money matters.' France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation corner of the building. kind enough to tell me what I should do." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." quick march!"