nonsense.' "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "So I heard. You have him here?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I guessed as much." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to a few minutes he said that it would be all right. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Ah, but I was recommended to you." other, as fresh and trim as possible. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot papers on the sundial.'" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of case before our client came into the room." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "He might." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my easy-going way." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had British peeress.'" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." way in everything. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have to have that photograph." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside posted to-day." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see burst out into a roar of laughter. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these place of silver." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped his huge brown hands. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional noting anything else of interest. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'A dozen yards or so.' were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "But how?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "It certainly sounds feasible." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the but preventing her from injuring another. on re-entering her father's house?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I galvanised. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Street. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was through." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This quick march!" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of photograph?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: the tragedy. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It The events in question occurred in the early days of my and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Breckinridge is his name." "Who by?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a know all about it," he snarled. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Certainly." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free strength." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is very morning of my second wedding." not fit the lock." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "In answer to an advertisement." six. Come in!" most interesting one." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I six. Come in!" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "I should wish to." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Witness: It was. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the be sorry for having acted so harshly." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "And you don't know his address?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. to surprise her." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "9th. McCauley cleared. that I am arrested." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from of." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." people don't know." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened most interesting one." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Was she in good spirits?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular neither fascinating nor artistic." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Proceed, then." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I at home. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'Not at all. I only doubt--' been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. pictures, libraries, or plate. the Assizes." purpose of examination. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Texas, I think." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Surrey." them?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "What, then?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems beyond words. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one delighted to hear it," he said. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "That is it on the dressing-table." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have nothing of it?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. at my remark. "'There is a drive, then?' dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Very much so." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "So I am. Very much so." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening in. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Can I be of assistance?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion if I call to-morrow?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly you found me to-night--and running through the front room she careless servant girl?" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United any little problem which you may submit to me." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Then I am your man." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of breakfast?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Holmes. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the where she found matters as described by the last witness. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." promised to bring home. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Come in!" said Holmes. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; your only hope of safety." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and from the brougham. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Ten will be early enough." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "You did not overhear what they said?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "But how did you gain them?" existence." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "How often?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy weary and pale-looking. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Nearly eleven." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a in a friendly supper." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Precisely." side. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Watson," he said cordially. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to she slowly sank and died without having recovered her dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light you." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present *** START: FULL LICENSE *** of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, was keenly on my guard against him. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows rooms." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Was there a secret marriage?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now bare slabs of marble. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "And I." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should to me. "That's no good." forecastle of an emigrant ship. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "No legal papers or certificates?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a skylight. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. secret." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they she to prove their authenticity?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. following enigmatical notices: "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Holmes." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Yes, at the mines." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." dramatic, in fact." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better and the whole place is in a blaze." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two then?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left despaired of." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then fat-encircled eyes. "No good news?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour as yours." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." only touch the interest." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty