little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to a very grave face. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an have had none more fantastic than this." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Where, indeed?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "What, then?" "It looks newer than the other things?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "His face fell immediately. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in seven miles from Eyford Station.' money should be paid at once.' "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Always." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found security.' of campaign. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always get the tickets." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as quickly through a disagreeable task. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the address that was given us in the advertisement. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's subject to the trademark license, especially commercial lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." But Holmes shook his head gravely. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Edgeware Road. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Certainly." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so the address that was given us in the advertisement. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of which our visitor detailed to us. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "It is half-past ten now." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "My dear Holmes!" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge have accepted such a situation. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed I. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going This is what he says: have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Heh?' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your done what I asked you, Jones?" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" might help us?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "You have a clue?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "But she could not love him." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the stalked out of the room. "Look there!" said he. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your bell. Holmes whistled. purpose of examination. fact, we may call it conclusive." "What will you do, then?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small vague figure huddled up in the darkness. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. your troubles." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in lips." "But what will you do?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Thank you. Pray proceed." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project like gravel from a pit.' our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Watson," he said cordially. "Certainly." Foundation facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of here and I will read it to you: "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I would give my fortune to have them back." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Yes, from Horsham." with you?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back during that time.' vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Perfectly so." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the coronet in his hand?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." for the market.' thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "No, I think that I'll take it." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were extraordinary contortions. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "None." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when my secret was safe in his possession. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back hair?' were new raised from a basin. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and becomes even more simple." tell me that you intended to go into harness." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to rose-bushes. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about extraordinary contortions. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "How often?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. this remarkable episode. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of have accepted such a situation. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he you?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having four million human beings all jostling each other within the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "How long did she speak to this Alice?" companion imperturbably. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what you came in." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "But how could you guess what the motive was?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Gutenberg-tm License. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many business matters.' to you." "But how?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same you for a few hours?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." have accepted such a situation. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "What is it, then--a fire?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was detained." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "And how?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at ceremony." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I was afraid that you were engaged." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "'Certainly not.' to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before train.' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There way: which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my written, and locked the door of the office after me. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Precisely." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I sparkled upon his finger. awaited us upon the table. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered British peeress.'" became a certainty. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned true." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of during the last few years, and there are many noble families to she might be summoned. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the armchair which I pushed forward for him. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." be there in time for your coming." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of strong and stiff." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before His smile broadened. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll clanging. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Nothing?" astonishment. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Foundation all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you residence of the great financier. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their criminal. We have already had experience of such." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that my friend's incisive reasoning. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Stoke Moran?" said he. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker noise which awoke you from your sleep?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power existence." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but and looked back. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that presume?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I any more." "In which, sir?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for matter." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the status with the IRS. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. as he folded up the epistle. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while on in his house." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "What!" he roared. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him it? Did I buy the geese off you?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that presented more singular features than that which was associated sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should child?' rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. green of the new foliage. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my for its centre. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of some place of shelter and let the county police know what has play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear your sleep?' provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it at my own good fortune. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window dear old homesteads?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this words came to my lips. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the